Former Shooter Ronjan Sodhi wants to be Chef De Mission for Paris Olympics

Former shooter Ronjan Sodhi has expressed interest in taking up the role of chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent at the Olympic Games in the Paris Olympics.

The multiple World Cup, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games medallist's decision to send his candidature for the prestigious post comes after six-time world champion boxer M C Mary Kom recently stepped down as the chef-de-mission due to personal reasons.

After IOA announced the appointment of Mary Kom on 21st March, she stepped down three weeks later citing personal reasons.

Confirming the development, Ajay Narang, executive assistant to Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha, told PTI on Thursday that the IOA had received an e-mail and a letter from Sodhi for the post of chef-de-mission for the Games, scheduled from July 26 till August 11.

"We have received a letter and an e-mail (from Sodhi). Dr. Usha and EC members will decide when that (decision to appoint a Chef-de-Mission) is going to happen." Narang said he had no idea when the name would be announced.

"These are sensitive issues, there are many other things involved, including accreditation and many other agencies get involved in taking such a decision. I will not be able to give a pointer because I have no idea," said Narang on when and who would be appointed the chef-de-mission.

Sodhi, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games gold medallist and two-time World Cup Final winner in double-trap shooting said he had sent his credentials to the IOA.

"Being former world No. 1 and world record holder and multiple World Cup medallist and an Olympian, I deem myself fit (for the post). I'm also mentoring a lot of young, budding sportspersons across different disciplines and not just shooting," said Sodhi, the Khel Ratna awardee in 2013.

"I will only go there (Paris) and learn for the betterment of Indian sport," he added.