Indian star shooter Abhinav Bindra has accepted the request to become the second goodwill ambassador for the Indian contingent in the Rio Olympics. Bollywood star Salman Khan was first appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) last Saturday.
The IOA had mentioned, that in an effort to increase the popularity of the Olympics among the Indians, they would appoint renowned faces from the country as the goodwill ambassadors.
While Bindra, a 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist in the 10m air rifle event, has confirmed his acceptance, no word has yet arrived from legends Sachin Tendulkar or AR Rahman, who were earlier approached by the Indian Olympics body to don the ambassadorial hats.
"Received a letter this afternoon from the president and secretary general of the IOA inviting me to be a goodwill ambassador. I am humbled that they thought I am worthy enough for this honour," said Bindra in a statement, as quoted by the NDTV.
"I respectfully accept this with gratitude. I have lived my life for the Olympic Games and have always done my best to work for the betterment of the Olympic movement in India and I will continue. While my focus will be to perform at Rio, I will be writing to every member of the Indian Olympic team and offering them any help they may want."
The appointment of Salman Khan as the goodwill ambassador may have had mixed reactions, but as of now, the IOA have no plans to remove the 'Sultan' actor from the role. "We will rope in more people. Salman Khan will also remain," said IOA Vice-President Tarlochan Singh.
