According to IOA secretary Rajeev Mehta, a letter has been sent to Tendulkar and music maestro AR Rahman to become 'goodwill ambassadors'.
Rattled by sharp attack from former and current Indian sportspersons for naming Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the goodwill ambassador of the Indian Olympic contingent for Rio Games, Indian Olympic Association has approached Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar and composer AR Rahman for the similar role in an effort to douse the controversy.
According to IOA secretary Rajeev Mehta, a letter has been sent to Tendulkar and music maestro AR Rahman to become 'goodwill ambassadors'. This would be an attempt by the IOA to placate some of the agitating sportspersons, who have questioned the association's rationale behind appointing the actor for the ambassador role over a sports personality.
On Monday, Mehta said, "The IOA has written to Tendulkar and Rahman and, so far, there's been a favourable response. We are confident of getting them on board. We will soon make an announcement in this regard. Khan is not going to be the only goodwill ambassador. In fact, we had always planned to rope in some 3-4 goodwill ambassadors and Khan was first of them.
"The ambassadors were always going to be from the sports background with impeccable record and from Indian film industry. Wait for some time and you will see sports personalities as well."
When asked if IOA in any way is contemplating dropping Khan, Mehta said, "No question of IOA going back on his appointment. Salman will hundred per cent remain associated with India's Olympic campaign. You have to understand that he will help us in arranging for funds. Salman is not charging a single penny from the association," added the IOA secretary.
After Salman's name was announced two days back, London Olympic medallist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay and sprint legend Milkha Singh were some of the noted sports personalities who had expressed their displeasure in this matter.
India-China agreement
Meanwhile, the IOA also entered into an agreement with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) on Monday by which the athletes in seven disciplines from both countries will travel to each other's country under an exchange programme.
According to this agreement, Indian Wushu, Taekwondo, Handball, Martial Art and Football teams will travel to China whereas Chinese Kho Kho and Kabaddi players will come to India to horn their skills.
The programme will start from July this year.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Sachin")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}