Mary Kom steps down as Paris Olympics Chef-de-Mission, cites personal reason
New Delhi (PTI): Six-time world champion boxer M C Mary Kom on Friday stepped down as India's chef-de-mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics, saying she is "left with no choice" due to some personal reasons.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha announced that Mary Kom had asked to be relieved from her position in a letter to addressed to her.
"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," the 41-year-old stated in a letter to Usha.
"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 announced her appointment on March 21.
The celebrated boxer, who is also a bronze-medallist from the 2012 London Olympics, was to be the logistical in-charge of the country's contingent at the July 26-August 11 Games.
"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 in a statement.
"I shall make the appropriate consultations and soon make an announcement about the replacement for Mary Kom."
Usha said 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.
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Rahul, Priyanka arrive in Ranthambore amid tourist rush to Rajasthan
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with family members, arrived in Ranthambore on Tuesday, as Rajasthan witnesses a sharp increase in tourist footfall across major destinations ahead of the New Year.
Ranthambore in Sawai Madhopur district is known for its tiger population and rich biodiversity, and has remained a preferred destination for visitors.
The New Year tourism rush has been reported across major destinations, including Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and prominent religious sites.
According to the Jaisalmer tourism officer, the golden city has witnessed a record number of tourists, with the Sonar Fort crowded with visitors and large gatherings.
Sam Sand dunes are also thronged by domestic and foreign tourists alike, enjoying desert camps, cultural performances and the New Year events, the tourism officer said.
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Long queues have been seen at the Pichola Lake boating, Karni Mata ropeway, City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari and Sajjangarh Fort, he said, adding that traffic congestion has affected the old city areas.
The state capital, Jaipur, also witnessed massive footfall at heritage sites with Hawa Mahal attracting 16,807 visitors, 18,203 at the Amer Palace, 14,865 at Jantar Mantar, 9,320 at Nahargarh Fort and 7,941 at the Albert Hall Museum on Monday, the department of archaeology informed.
"All tourist destinations in the Pink City have been overcrowded since Saturday," Pooja Rathore, a tour guide from Jaipur, said.
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur saw daily visitors double to 6,000-7,000 from the usual 2,500-3,000, Sanjay Koushik, a tour operator, said. He added that the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar has all safaris booked till January 5.
Religious centres, including the Khatushyamji in Sikar, Salasar Balaji in Churu, Mehandipur Balaji in Dausa and Sanwalia Seth in Chittorgarh, also received several times higher crowds.
Special arrangements are in place at Jaipur's Moti Dungri Ganesh temple and Govind Devji temple for January 1 morning.
Hotels, resorts and heritage properties statewide are fully occupied, and tariffs have been increased multifold.
"I came to Jaisalmer with my family from Jaipur, and it was a challenge for me to find a room. Somehow, I got a normal room with a daily charge of Rs 10,000, which I believe is 6-7 times higher than the normal rate," a tourist, Pramod Chaudhary, said.
A tour operator said new year rates have increased by 20 to 25 per cent in luxury segments. Events have been planned in these properties, which include DJ parties, cultural shows and themed nights.
To manage traffic and safety, diversions have been enforced in Jaipur and other cities.
In a road safety initiative, Jaipur Police has mandated hotels, restaurants and bars to issue pink slips with bills bearing the message "Do not drive after drinking" and display awareness posters, besides appointing nodal officers for coordination.
