Kolkata: Sourav Ganguly joined in the raging debate surrounding Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s appointment as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Rio Olympics. The former India captain sees nothing wrong in Salman Khan bringing glamour quotient to India’s table for the upcoming Olympics.
Speaking on the topic for the first time, the charismatic cricketer turned administrator said, “I’m happy and fine with Salman being the ambassador as he brings visibility and glamour quotient to anything. You cannot deny that Salman is popular and he would bring visibility to the Rio Olympics. He is an entertainer. I think its fine to have him appointed as the ambassador. I think they can have other ambassadors as well, it’s nowhere written that they can only have one ambassador.”
“There have been some outstanding athletes, who have brought laurels to the country. I’m sure they can team up with Salman. At the same time, there is no harm in having other ambassadors. They can work along with Salman and bring glamour, entertainment and sport together. We have some legends in the country they can be a part as well.”
Ganguly, who now promotes football co-owning the city franchise Atletico de Kolkata in the lucrative Indian Super League, cited examples of glittering opening ceremonies in any mega event where entertainment go hand in hand with sport. “When you have a big event like the Commonwealth Games and IPL we have a bit of both, like the glittering opening ceremony with players’ swearing-in and stuff. It makes it perfect; there can be a mix of both. Look at the ISL, there’s so many film stars and sports persons involved and make it a success.”
Ganguly however hoped that the controversy would settle down soon. “Problem in the country is opinion go galore when things happen, people just jump out and say why this and why that without solving the problem. It goes on for a few days and then it settles down.”
Talking about cricket, Ganguly picked two time former champions Kolkata Knight Riders as the “best side” in the ongoing IPL-9. “Although it’s very early days and anything can happen, I maintain that they are the best side in the IPL, quite balanced and looking good.”