Athletes split over Salman as Olympics ambassador, IOA stands firm
Bollywood star 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.
Sportspersons, including wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and sprint legend Milkha Singh criticised the Indian Olympic Association’s move to appoint Khan, who has previously courted controversy for involvement in a drink-driving case and a blackbuck hunting case.
London Olympic bronze medallist, Dutt (33) questioned what Khan had done in the field of sports to be involved in the Rio Olympics. He also said the Olympics was not a place for an actor to promote his movies.
“The country needs medals, not sponsors,” Dutt said.