Under-fire IOA approaches Tendulkar, Rahman

"We are in communication with Sachin Tendulkar and A. R. Rahman to become brand ambassadors of the Indian Olympic contingent," Indian Olympic Association (IOA) vice president Tarlochan Singh.

Both Sachin Tendulkar and A. R. Rahman are yet to reply to IOA's request.

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

“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 Indian Olympic Association (IOA) vice president Tarlochan Singh.

“We will rope in more people. Salman Khan will also remain,” he added.

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 goodwill ambassador in the presence of star boxer M. C. 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.