The most argumentative announcement by Indian Olympic Association to appoint Bollywood actor Salman Khan as a Goodwill ambassador for the Rio Olympics has taken a twist on Thursday. After so much hue and cry made by many of sportsperson on the IOS’s choice of appointing a Bollywood actor instead of any sports personality, it’s been in the air that IOS has approached batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, musician A R Rehman and Olympic gold medal winning shooter Abhinav Bindra to be India’s Olympics Goodwill Ambassadors.
“We are in communication with Sachin Tendulkar and A R Rahman to become brand ambassadors of the Indian Olympic contingent. We are yet to get their reply,” said Indian Olympic Association (IOA) vice president Tarlochan Singh. He further added “We will rope in more people. Salman Khan will also remain.”
Several members of the Indian sports fraternity have pointed a singer at the ground of taking a decision to appoint Salman. While on other hand, many celebrities like filmmaker Suraj Barjatya and actress-politician Kiron Kher defended the same.
In support of its selection, IOS clarified that Salman’s appointment did not involve any monetary aspects. He is chosen for the role as a brand or goodwill ambassador to attract people’s attention to Olympic sport and using his massive public appeal to get sponsors for Indian sports.