Athletes Divided Over IOA Appointment Of Khan As Rio Goodwill Ambassador

Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s appointment as the goodwill ambassador of India’s Rio Olympics contingent "prompted strong reactions from the sports fraternity and social media users," according to the HINDUSTAN TIMES. Athletes, including wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and former sprinter Milkha Singh, "criticized the Indian Olympic Association’s move to appoint Khan." Dutt "questioned what Khan had done in the field of sports to be involved in the Rio Olympics." He also said that "the Olympics was not a place for an actor to promote his movies." Dutt: "The country needs medals, not sponsors." Hockey player Sardar Singh and boxer Mary Kom felt that Salman’s mass appeal "will help raise awareness." Kom: "It’s good for us to have a brand ambassador like him." IOA VP Tarlochan Singh said, "When celebrities who appeal to public come forward to help naturally we get more publicity which is good for sports" (HINDUSTAN TIMES, 4/24).