Not long ago, the Indian Olympic Association decided to appoint Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the goodwill ambassador for the Rio Games. While IOA later brought in ace shooter Abhinav Bindra and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as other goodwill ambassadors, the first selection courted a huge controversy.
While a large section of masses including Yogeshwar Dutt and Milkha Singh criticized the decision, many celebrities backed the decision. It caused a furore on how mindless our selectors and that glamour has its place, so has sports.
But close to two months after that, it seems Salman Khan has handled the responsibility beautifully. After the controversy fizzled out, the actor used social media to create a buzz about the Olympics.
Here are a couple of examples:
Firstly, he was not chosen for going to Rio. There are people who follow Bollywood more than badminton or hockey. He was chosen to promote the biggest sporting extravaganza of the world among those fans.
Also Read: Sourav Ganguly backs Salman Khan as India's Olympic goodwill ambassador
While we encourage everyone to support other Indian sports, what's the harm if someone comes forward to promote those? Salman has been trying to turn into a real life role model from a reel one. Let’s accept the fact that he has done a wonderful job till now.
After Salman's appointment as a goodwill ambassador drew a flak, IOA roped in Abhinav Bindra and there was comfort in knowing that at least one of them is an Olympian.
He began his duties on the first day itself and since then the first individual gold medalist for India hasn't disappointed the nation.
Right from sending personal emails offering supporting to Rio-bound athletes to inviting Sushil Kumar for supporting Narsingh Yadav from the sidelines, he has used his powerful voice and influence to raise awareness.
Also Read: How Olympic goodwill ambassador Abhinav Bindra is motivating India's Rio 2016 contingent
Recently, he travelled all the way to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan to wish the boxers participating in the final Rio qualifying tournament.
In his final Olympics, Abhinav Bindra has been committed to a cause.
Cricket is a more popular game than shooting and wrestling when we consider worldwide. Regardless of his sport, Sachin Tendulkar has proved that he's a true ambassador of Indian Sports. Throughout his career and even after that, the Master Blaster has maintained a near-perfect love for other games.
The 'God of Cricket' is more familiar face than others which is an essential for an ambassador. He met some of the members in the Rio contingent and boosted their confidence by narrating some of his experiences and on how he dealt with all the pressure during his cricket career.
Riches and awards in abundance, but the perfect gentleman and the ambassador. That is Sachin Tendulkar for you.
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Just watch how passionately he says "Chalo, ab Rio mein tirangaa laherayein!" in the videos.
This is a mission for everybody. Coming together for two weeks and supporting the athletes who have put their heart and soul into this.
That is Salman, Sachin, and Bindra's aim. So should be ours.
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