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Paralympic Committee of India Appoints Satya Prakash Sangwan as Chef de Mission for Paris ParalympicsThe Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has appointed Satya Prakash Sangwan as the chef de mission of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Sangwan, who is the PCI's vice president, brings with him over a decade of experience in the Paralympic movement.As the chef de mission, Sangwan will be responsible for leading India's largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes, who will compete across 12 sports disciplines at the Paris Paralympics. This will be the first time that India will send such a large contingent to the Paralympics.Sangwan expressed his honor at being entrusted with this responsibility and pledged to ensure that the athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics."It is a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that our athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics," Sangwan said.PCI President Devendra Jhajharia praised Sangwan's dedication and leadership, expressing confidence that the team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics under his guidance."Mr. Satya Prakash Sangwan has been an integral part of the Paralympic Committee of India for over a decade. His dedication and leadership have always been an inspiration to our athletes," Jhajharia said. "We are confident that under his guidance as Chef de Mission, our team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics 2024."Sangwan's appointment as chef de mission is a testament to his commitment to the Paralympic movement and his dedication to ensuring that Indian para-athletes have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Six-time world champion boxer M C Mary Kom has resigned as India's Chef-de-Mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics, citing personal reasons. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha announced Mary Kom's decision in a statement on Friday.In a letter to Usha, Mary Kom expressed her regret for stepping down from the prestigious role. "I consider it an honor 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," she wrote.Mary Kom, who is also a bronze medalist from the 2012 London Olympics, was appointed as Chef-de-Mission on March 21. She was tasked with overseeing the logistical arrangements for the Indian contingent at the Paris Games, scheduled for July 26-August 11.IOA President Usha expressed sadness over Mary Kom's decision but respected her privacy. "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," Usha said.Usha added that she had a conversation with Mary Kom after receiving her letter. "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 said.The IOA will now begin the process of finding a replacement for Mary Kom. Usha said she would make an announcement about the new Chef-de-Mission soon.Mary Kom's resignation comes as a setback for the Indian contingent preparing for the Paris Olympics. However, the IOA is confident that it will find a suitable replacement who can lead the team to success.