Renowned boxer MC Mary Kom has made the difficult decision to resign as India’s chef-de-mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics, citing personal reasons. The news, reported by news agency PTI, comes as a surprise to many, given Mary Kom’s celebrated status as a six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha confirmed Mary Kom’s decision, stating that she had requested to be relieved from her role in a letter addressed to her. Mary Kom expressed her regret in having to step down from such a prestigious responsibility but explained that personal circumstances left her with no choice.
“It is an honor to serve my country in every possible way, and I was mentally prepared for this role. However, I regret that I will not be able to fulfill this prestigious responsibility due to personal reasons,” Mary Kom stated in her letter to Usha.
The 41-year-old boxer, known for her resilience and dedication to the sport, emphasized that while it was embarrassing to retreat from a commitment, she felt compelled to do so given her situation. She assured her continued support for the country and the athletes participating in the Paris Olympics, expressing great expectations for their success.
Mary Kom was designated to oversee the logistics and coordination of India’s contingent during the July 26-August 11 Games. Her decision to step down has been met with understanding and respect from the IOA, with PT Usha acknowledging the legendary boxer’s contributions and expressing support for her privacy.
“We are saddened by Mary Kom’s decision to step down, but we respect her privacy and understand the reasons behind her choice,” Usha stated. “I will soon announce a replacement for Mary Kom after appropriate consultations. I have personally spoken to her and assured her of my support and that of IOA. We urge everyone to respect her privacy during this time.”
