Sachin, Rahman May Join Salman as India’s Ambassadors at Olympics

The IOA has written to Sachin Tendulkar, requesting him to be India’s goodwill ambassador at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Sachin Tendulkar has been requested to be India’s goodwill ambassador to the Rio Olympics. (Photo: Reuters)

Drawing flak for naming Salman Khan as the Indian Olympic contingent’s goodwill ambassador, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has now approached cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman to take up the same role alongside the controversial Bollywood star.

We are in communication with Sachin Tendulkar and AR Rahman to become brand ambassadors of the Indian Olympic contingent. We are yet to get their reply. We will rope in more people. Salman Khan will also remain.

Tarlochan Singh, Vice President, Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

Salman’s appointment as goodwill ambassador had kicked up a storm last week when star wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and sprint legend Milkha Singh questioned the move even though the IOA and some other athletes backed the decision.

Salman, who is playing the role of a wrestler in his upcoming film ‘Sultan’, was named the goodwill ambassador in the presence of star woman boxer Mary Kom, hockey captain Sardar Singh, and shooter Apurvi Chandela among others.

Yogeshwar started the debate by tweeting that Salman has done nothing to merit such an appointment but the IOA stood firm on its decision and said that it would rope in more icons from cricket, music and other sports to motivate the Olympic contingent ahead of the Games in August.

Also Read: Change.Org Petition For Milkha Singh as Ambassador to Rio Olympic