Gagan Narang: Chef-de-Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics

India has appointed Gagan Narang as Chef-de-Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics, replacing Mary Kom who resigned due to personal reasons. Shiva Keshavan remains deputy Chef-de-Mission, and PV Sindhu is appointed as co-flag bearer.

Changes in India's Olympic Leadership

Gagan Narang appointed as Chef-de-Mission for 2024 Paris Olympics

- Replaces Mary Kom, who resigned due to personal reasons
- Announcement made by IOA president PT Usha on July 8, 2024
- Narang previously assigned to oversee shooting range operations
- Shiva Keshavan remains deputy Chef-de-Mission

PV Sindhu appointed as co-flag bearer

- PV Sindhu will share flag-bearing duties with table tennis player Sharath Kamal
- Implements IOC's 2020 policy allowing one male and one female flag bearer
- Second time India will have joint flag bearers at Summer Olympics

Roles and Responsibilities

Chef-de-Mission:

French for "head of mission"
Key administrative role for national contingent
Serves as team spokesperson during Olympics
Mentors, supports, and motivates athletes
Protects athletes' performances

Flag Bearers:

Lead country's contingent during opening and closing ceremonies
Represent the nation and its athletes
Typically distinguished players from the country

Historical Context and Paris 2024 Olympics

Indian Flag Bearers:

Purma Banerjee: First Indian flag bearer (1920 Antwerp Olympics)
Shiny Wilson: First female Indian flag bearer (1992 Barcelona Olympics)
Mary Kom and Manpreet Singh: Joint flag bearers at 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Paris 2024 Olympics:

33rd Summer Olympics
Dates: July 26 to August 11, 2024
Third time Paris hosts Summer Olympics (after 1900 and 1924)
Expected participation: 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees
New sports introduced: Breaking, Surfing, Sport Climbing, and Skateboarding

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