India’s lone individual gold medallist at the Olympics, shooter Abhinav Bindra, was on Friday appointed as goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent at the Rio Games alongside Bollywood actor Salman Khan, while legendry cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also called upon for a similar role after the actor’s appointment made grounds for a controversy.
Gold medallist at the Beijing Games eight years back, Bindra said he received the Indian Olympic Association’s invitation on Friday and immediately gave his nod.
The IOA has also invited Tendulkar and Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman for a similar role.
“Received a letter this afternoon from the president and secretary general of the IOA inviting me to be a goodwill ambassador. I am humbled that they thought I am worthy enough for this honour. I respectfully accept this with gratitude,” Bindra said in a series of tweets.
The shooter will be in search of a medal at the Rio Games this August, said he would write to all the Olympics-bound athletes to motivate them.
Tendulkar and Rahman, however, are yet to respond to the IOA’s call.
“We are in communication with Sachin Tendulkar and A.R. Rahman to become brand ambassadors of the Indian Olympic contingent. We are yet to get their reply,” said IOA vice-president Tarlochan Singh.
Last week, Salman’s appointment as goodwill ambassador had created an uproar when Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and sprint legend Milkha Singh raise their fingers at the move even though the IOA and some other athletes backed the decision.
