Rajpal, Narang in race to replace Mary Kom as India's CDM in Paris Olympics

Olympic medallist shooter Gagan Narang and Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal have emerged as strong contenders to become Indian contingent's chef de mission in Paris Games, a position which fell vacant after MC Mary Kom withdrew due to personal reasons, IOA sources told PTI on Sunday.

Six-time world champion Mary Kom had resigned from the position in April, saying she was left with no choice but to step down owing to compelling person reasons. She was named CDM by the Indian Olympic Association in March this year.

"Most likely it will be Gagan or Rohit for the role of chef de mission. It's a huge responsibility and they are capable of managing it. Having said that, weightlifting federation's Sahdev Yadav's name was also being considered," an IOA source told PTI on the sidelines of the send-off ceremony for India's Olympic contingent here.

It has been learnt that badminton legend Prakash Padukone was also offered the position but the former All England Champion refused to take up the ..