Narang and Rajpal in Contention for Indian Contingent's Chef de Mission at Paris Games

Gagan Narang and Rohit Rajpal are contenders for Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris Games after MC Mary Kom withdrew due to personal reasons. Prakash Padukone was also offered the position but declined. The final decision is expected soon by IOA President PT Usha.

Olympic medallist shooter Gagan Narang and Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal are front-runners for the position of Chef de Mission for India's contingent at the Paris Games, following the withdrawal of MC Mary Kom due to personal reasons, IOA sources told PTI on Sunday.

Mary Kom, a six-time world champion, resigned from the position in April, citing compelling personal reasons. She had been appointed CDM by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in March this year.

''Most likely it will be Gagan or Rohit for the role of chef de mission. It's a huge responsibility and they are capable of managing it. Having said that, weightlifting federation's Sahdev Yadav's name was also being considered,'' an IOA source disclosed during the send-off ceremony for India's Olympic contingent.

Badminton legend Prakash Padukone was approached for the position but declined due to age-related concerns. ''Mr Padukone is a well-respected figure in Indian sports. However, due to old age he was a bit hesitant to take up the responsibility and IOA respected his decision,'' the source added.

When asked about the matter, IOA President PT Usha commented, ''I will share the name in the next four-five days.'' The Chef de Mission role is a crucial administrative post responsible for the welfare, needs, and coordination of athletes.

With over 100 athletes qualified for the Paris Games starting July 26, Indian representation will be significant. Notably, Narang, a London Olympics bronze medallist in the men's 10m air rifle event, was previously overseeing India's operations at the shooting range, far from the main venues. Should Narang be selected as CDM, a replacement for his role at the shooting range would be needed.

Rohit Rajpal, the Davis Cup captain and AITA treasurer, might withdraw due to personal reasons. He missed a recent Davis Cup tie due to his mother's health and her recent passing. Rajpal also serves on the IOA's Executive Committee and manages the Volleyball Federation of India as the head of its ad-hoc committee.

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