In an attempt to highlight Indian success across fields, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had approached 2008 Olympic Gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra to become the second goodwill ambassador for India’s Rio contingent. The 35-year-old has accepted the role via Twitter.
In a message, accepting the invitation to the Indian Olympic Association President Mr N Ramachandran and the Secretary-General Mr Rajeev Mehta, Bindra stated, “I am humbled by your goodwill gesture of making me goodwill ambassador for the forthcoming Rio Olympics. I gladly accept your invitation.”
Sportskeeda had first reported about this particular development. A source within the IOA had told that Bindra might not even be aware of the situation yet. He said, “We have written to him, but we aren’t sure whether he knows about it yet, as he has communicated to us that he’s undergoing a very strict training regime.”
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Captain Gautam Gambhir had batted for Bindra’s inclusion as an Ambassador. He emphasised on India’s first post-independence gold medal as the reason.
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also approached to be the Brand Ambassador of the Indian contingent, the cricketer is yet to reply to the offer. Musician A R Rahman had also been contacted by the IOA as a potential ambassador.
A senior IOA official had told Sportskeeda, “According to our sources, musician A R Rahman will also be approached for the role. The official added, “We are looking at close to five different ambassadors for the event, so that success and motivation becomes the central point, not the profession they belong too.”
More to follow..
