Olympic bronze medalist and six times World champion boxer M.C. Mary Kom on April 12 stepped down as the Chef-de-Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics citing “personal reasons”. A replacement is expected to be named by the IOA soon.
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Thanking the Indian Olympic Association for placing its faith in her, Mary admitted it was embarrassing but was left with no choice.
Embarrassing
“I consider it an honour to serve my country in every way possible and I was mentally prepared for it. However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons. It is embarrassing to retreat from a commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice,” Mary wrote in her letter to IOA president P.T. Usha. Usha confirmed receiving Mary’s letter.
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Mary, who is also the chairperson of the IOA’s Athletes Commission, was named as the Chef-de-Mission three weeks back and had acknowledged and accepted the same.
“We are sad that Olympic medal winning boxer and Chairperson of the IOA Athletes Commission Mary Kom has stepped down citing personal reasons. We respect her decision and her privacy. I shall make appropriate consultations and soon make an announcement about the replacement for Mary Kom,” Usha said in a statement, adding she had also spoken to Mary about her decision.
“I completely understand her request and respect her decision. I have also conveyed to her that she will always have my own support and that of IOA. I also request everyone to respect the legendary boxer’s privacy,” she added.