Bollywood scriptwriter, Salim Khan defended his son, Salman Khan’s appointment as the Indian Olympic goodwill ambassador, a decision which had been widely criticised by the sporting fraternity in India. Salim Khan especially took a dig at Milkha Singh’s comments about Salman’s appointment.
Milkha Singh had earlier suggested that athletes who had given their sweat and blood for the country like PT Usha and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore would have been better ambassadors for the country. There was no need to “import” someone from Bollywood.
Also read: Film director Subhash Ghai defends Salman Khan in Olympic ambassador issue
The veteran writer retorted to Milkha Singh challenging the appointment of his son by resorting to Twitter. He posted, ”Milkhaji it is not Bollywood, it is the Indian Film Industry and that too the largest in the world.” Further emphasising he also said it was the same industry which had resurrected Milkha Singh from fading away into oblivion.
After taking a dig at the veteran Olympian, Salim Khan added “Salman Khan may not have competed but is an A level swimmer, cyclist and weight lifter. Sportsmen are performing because of sports lovers like us,"
Salim Khan making his point clear:
The “Flying Sikh” had said that he wanted to make it clear that he did not have anything against Salman Khan but the IOA’s decision was wrong and he wanted the government to intervene. He had never seen an ambassador from Bollywood for a sports event.
Milkha Singh also asked whether Bollywood had appointed a sportsperson as an ambassador for any of its mega events.
Salman Khan was appointed the goodwill ambassador in a ceremony which had star athletes like MC Mary Kom and hockey captain Sardara Singh in attendance. Salman Khan plays a wrestler in his next film, “Sultan”. It is speculated that his appointment as the goodwill ambassador is more of a promotional activity than a sporting one.
The IOA had earlier said that it would be roping in icons from music, cricket and other sports to motivate the country’s athletes.
Seventy seven Indian athletes from eight different disciplines have qualified for the Olympic Games to be held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro in August this year. Many more athletes are expected to qualify for these games. It is hoped that India will better their record of six medals at an Olympic event in Rio.
