Gagan Narang and Rohit Rajpal Considered for Chef de Mission Role at Paris Games
New Delhi: Olympic medallist shooter Gagan Narang and Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal are strong contenders for the position of Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris Games, following MC Mary Kom’s withdrawal due to personal reasons, according to sources from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Sunday.
Six-time world champion Mary Kom resigned from the role in April, citing compelling personal reasons. She had been appointed Chef de Mission (CDM) by the IOA in March this year.
“It is most likely that either Gagan Narang or Rohit Rajpal will assume the role of Chef de Mission. It is a significant responsibility, and they are well-suited for it,” an IOA source stated during the send-off ceremony for India’s Olympic contingent. “Additionally, Sahdev Yadav from the weightlifting federation is also being considered.”
Badminton legend Prakash Padukone was also offered the position but declined. “Mr. Padukone is a highly respected figure in Indian sports. However, due to his age, he was hesitant to take on the responsibility, and the IOA respected his decision,” the source added.
When asked about the selection, IOA President PT Usha said, “I will announce the name in the next four to five days.”
The Chef de Mission is a crucial administrative role responsible for the welfare of participating athletes, addressing their needs, and liaising with the organizing committee.
Over 100 athletes have qualified for the Paris Games, which start on July 26.
Notably, Narang, a bronze medallist in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the London Olympics, was assigned to oversee India’s operations at the shooting range, which is located far from the main venues. India will field its largest-ever shooting contingent, with 21 shooters qualifying for the Games. If Narang is selected as CDM, the IOA will need to find his replacement at the shooting range.
Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal, who is also the treasurer of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), may withdraw from consideration due to personal reasons. Rajpal recently lost his mother and had previously withdrawn from a Davis Cup tie in Islamabad due to her ill health.
Rajpal is an Executive Committee member of the IOA and is managing the Volleyball Federation of India as the head of its ad-hoc panel.
