Paris Olympics 2024: Centre denies CM Bhagwant Mann travel to Paris due to security reasons

Paris Olympics 2024: The Central Government refused to grant permission to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to travel to Paris for the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.  

Punjab Chief Minister Mann was scheduled to fly to Paris from August 3 to 9 to boost the morale of the Indian hockey team participating in the Paris Olympics. However, the Ministry of External Affairs cited security reasons for the denial of his travel plans.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who holds a red diplomatic passport that typically facilitates expedited visa processing, sought political clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for his Paris visit to support the hockey team playing its first quarterfinal match in the ongoing Olympics on August 4. Given that many players are from Punjab, Mann was keen to show his support in person. However, the Centre cited security concerns. 

The Union ministry's reflects, "Paris is exceptionally crowded due to the Olympics. The Punjab Chief Minister requires maximum security because of various threats, and the MHA couldn't arrange Z security at short notice."

China continues to dominate Olympics medal tally; India on 48th

India is ranked 48th in the medal standings at the Paris Olympics, securing three bronze medals in shooting. China remained on top of the Paris Olympics medal tally with 13 gold, followed by host France with 11 gold medals in second place and Australia in third place at the end of the seventh competition day .