Sachin Tendulkar accepts IOA’s invitation to become goodwill ambassador

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday accepted the Indian Olympic Association’s invitation to be one of the country’s goodwill ambassador for the Rio Games in August, days after Bollywood star Salman Khan’s appointment for the role had created a furore.

Tendulkar on the day confirmed his support for the Rio-bound athletes and expressed willingness to meet the Indian contingent before they depart for Brazil, in a letter to IOA chiefs. “It will be my pleasure to meet these world-class athletes before they leave for Rio to learn preparations,” said Sachin, who accepted to work alongside Salman besides ace shooter Abhinav Bindra and Oscar-winning musician A.R. Rahman, who were approached for the role following the row.

Rahman is yet to accept the invitation.