Internet Desk: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s appointment as goodwill ambassador of the Indian Olympic contingent has triggered a furore with sprint legend Milkha Singh questioning the move even as IOA and some other athletes backed the decision.
Salman, who is playing the role of a wrestler in his upcoming film Sultan, was named goodwill ambassador by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Saturday in the presence of star woman boxer M C Mary Kom, hockey captain Sardar Singh, and shooter Apurvi Chandela among others.
Flying Sikh Milkha Singh criticized the appointment of Salman Khan as Goodwill Ambassador. Milkha, who won gold in 1958 and 1962 Asian Games, said the fact that no Indian sportsperson had been picked up as ambassador saddened him.
“I want to make it clear that I am not against Salman Khan, but the decision of the IOA is wrong and the Government should intervene in the matter. This is for the first time I am seeing a Bollywood hero being made goodwill ambassador for Olympics. I want to ask has Bollywood ever made any sportsperson an ambassador for any of their mega event?” he said.
The legendary athlete wants the decision to appoint Salman Khan as ambassador is revised by IOA. He also felt a sportsman who has brought laurels for the country are the real ambassadors.
“I am of the view that our sportspersons; be those from shooting, athletics, volleyball or other sports, they are the real ambassadors of India who would represent the country in the Olympics. Still, if we had to pick an ambassador, it could have been from the sporting arena,” the 85-year-old told xtratime.in from Chandigarh.
“We always run after celebrity and glamour in this country. That is why Sachin Tendulkar is preferred over hockey legend Dhyanchand for Bharat Ratna” he added.
The IOA, however, backed the decision to name Salman. “When celebrities who appeal to public come forward to help naturally we get more publicity which is good for sports. Trend among the youth is that they look towards such film celebrities. If we utilise them theres no harm,” IOA vice-President Tarlochan Singh said. “Were getting his (Salman Khan) help and not giving him anything. IOA is not paying him a penny,” he added.
Earlier, Yogeshwar said Salman has done nothing to merit such an appointment. “Everybody has the right to promote movies in India, but Olympics is not a place to promote films,” Yogeshwar tweeted in Hindi. “Can anyone tell me what the role of goodwill ambassador is? Why are you fooling the public?” he added.
The 33-year-old felt a sportsperson would have been more apt for the position. “Sportspersons like PT Usha and Milkha Singh strived hard for the nation during difficult times. But what has this ambassador done in sports. “What will happen by the appointment of an ambassador? If you had to do this drama, then why not appoint a sportsperson?” he asked.
