Mumbai: After signing up Bollywood star Salman Khan, as the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Rio Olympics, invited criticism; the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday wrote to former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and music composer AR Rahman for the same role.
Salman was roped in by the IOA last week. But they received flak after associating the controversial movie star with sports; few even accused him of promoting his new film ‘Sultan’ – based on wrestling – through the Rio designation.
However, opinions were divided among people from the sports and entertainment industry.
While former Olympian Milkha Singh criticised the move, Balbir Singh Sr welcomed the move. Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir voted for Abhinav Bindra as the ambassador; on the other hand, former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly thought Salman could bring in glamour in the Rio games.
Vice president Tarlochan Singh (IOA) confirmed that Salman will remain but they will add more brand ambassadors.
They are yet to hear from Tendulkar and Rahman.
