Salman Khan who is playing the role of a wrestler in his upcoming film ‘Sultan’, has been named the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This has prompted some very strong reactions from the sports fraternity and doesn’t seem too well for the superstar.
Here are five things you must know about Salman Khan & The Indian Olympic Association controversy –
1. What the sports fraternity has to say AGAINST it
Milkha Singh, who won gold in 1958 and 1962 Asian Games, said the fact that no Indian sportsperson had been picked up as ambassador saddened him.
“I want to make it clear that I am not against Salman Khan, but the decision of the IOA is wrong and the Government should intervene in the matter. This is for the first time I am seeing a Bollywood hero being made goodwill ambassador for Olympics. I want to ask has Bollywood ever made any sportsperson an ambassador for any of their mega event?” he said.
London Olympic bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt added:
Kahi bhi ja Kar apni movie ka promotion kare,Es desh me adhikar hai Lekin Olympic movie promotion ki jagah Nahi https://t.co/ed6vCqNMXT
— Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) April 23, 2016
2. What the sports fraternity has to say FOR it
Beijing Olympic 2008 gold-winner, Abhinav Bindra, tweeted in support of the IOA’s decision:
In their pursuit towards excellence. Congratulations on being appointed ambassador of the Indian Olympic Team! @BeingSalmanKhan Cont.
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) April 24, 2016
“It’s good for us to have a brand ambassador like him,” said Mary Kom, a bronze-medallist from the 2012 London Olympics.
3. Why the IOA defends its decision
“When celebrities who appeal to public come forward to help naturally we get more publicity which is good for sports. Trend among the youth is that they look towards such film celebrities. If we utilize them there’s no harm,” IOA vice-President Tarlochan Singh said.
4. What others on social media have to say
This controversy has created quite a stir already and social media won’t stop.
All the time they were crying that other sports were ignored. Now when @BeingSalmanKhan is promoting them .people don't like. #SalmanForRio
— A V A D (@avadsays) April 24, 2016
In less than 24hrs #olympics is being discussed in India like never before! Awareness & interest created #SalmanForRio 👍🏻@BeingSalmanKhan 🙏🏻
— AnitaAhluwaliaAA (@AnitaAhluwalia) April 24, 2016
5. When everyone is talking, how can rest of B-town keep quiet
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai supported the superstar and said:
“Medal or more medals? Salman Khan can definitely inspire youth next to participate in Olympics and win many more medals in every sport … youth looks up to him.”
“What a gesture of our superstar @BeingSalmanKhan 4being ambassador olympics without charging any fee or gain but to inspire youth of india to participate more n win more medals. ?let’s appreciate that.”
Share with us in the comments below your thoughts on this controversy.
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