Left With No Choice, Mary Kom Steps Down As India’s Chef-de-Mission For Paris Olympics

New Delhi: To be Chef-de-Mission of the country’s contingent at an Olympic Games is a dream assignment for anyone.

Legendary boxer M C Mary Kom, however, stepped down from that prestigious assignment on Friday as she was “left with no choice.”

The six-time World champion conveyed her decision in a letter addressed to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P T Usha, citing personal reasons.

“I consider it an honour to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it (chef-de-mission). However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons,” the 41-year-old Mary stated.

“It is embarrassing to retreat from a commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice. I am there to cheer on my country and the athletes competing in this Olympic Games, with great expectations,” she added.

The IOA had on March 21 named the Olympic bronze-medallist as India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics, which will be held from July 26 to August 11.

“We are sad that Olympic medal-winning boxer and Chairperson of IOA Athletes Commission Mary Kom has stepped down citing personal reasons. We respect her decision and privacy. I also request everyone to respect the legendary boxer’s privacy,” Usha said.

The IOA chief said a replacement will be named after appropriate consultations.