Does Rahman need a medal to be called a sportsman: Salman finally hits back in Rio goodwill ambassador row

Salman Khan in his recent interview with the Hindustan Times wondered why the media didn't  give as much coverage to Sachin and AR Rahman's appointment as Goodwill Ambassadors for the Rio Olympics, as they did for him. Earlier, when Salman was appointed at the position, it had fetched a lot of negative response, so much so, that petitions were filed against him. The primary reason that was stated was that Salman was not a sports personality.

Speak about the appointment of Tendulkar and Rahman, Salman said, "The media should have done the same when Sachin and Rahman were roped in. Why didn’t that happen? Why didn’t the media give them the same coverage that they gave me? In their case too, while one isn’t a sports person, the other has only played one sport. Does Rahman need a state level certificate or a national-level medal to be called a sportsperson. In fact, all the kids who have tried out certain sports and haven’t won a medal, aren’t sports persons? All the kids who follow a sports person aren’t sports persons? So why just pick me?" reports HT.

Furthermore, on being asked whether his criminal reactions were the reason behind the entire controversy, he said,  "He has court cases [against him].” So, you have issues with one person, who has court cases, becoming the Olympics goodwill ambassador. But there are so many big politicians who have court cases [against them]. So, desh zyaada important hai ya Olympics (is Olympics more important than the country)? Mere liye toh desh (for me, the country) is most important . So, I am ready to leave it (the ambassadorship), if you (the politicians) also leave [your posts]. There are so many people, who have [cases of] scams, corruption and even rapes, but they are still there (on important posts)."