Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who was recently seen in the movie 'Sultan,' has asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to provide him the details of the 119-member strong Indian contingent who participated in the recently-concluded Rio 2016 Olympics.
The 50-year-old Indian movie superstar, who will be seen once again on the television as an anchor for the popular Indian reality TV series 'Bigg Boss 10,' had earlier made a promise to reward each athlete from India, qualifying for Olympics 2016, with a cash prize of Rs 1.01 lakh.
"Salman Khan sent a letter to me on Monday thanking the IOA for appointing him as goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent at Rio Olympics. He has requested me to send the details of all Indian Rio Olympians like their PAN number," revealed IOA General Secretary Rajeev Mehta to the Press Trust of India on Wednesday.
"He said in the letter he will give Rs 101000 (one lakh one thousand) to each one of them. He is sending cheque in the name of all the Rio Olympians to the IOA so that we can give it to the athletes."
Salman was also appointed as the goodwill ambassador for the Indian contingent in the Rio 2016 Olympics, by the IOA, a move that was frowned upon by certain sections of sports aficionados. The 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' actor was given the post alongside sports legends Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra and music maestro AR Rahman.
The likes of Yogeshwar Dutt and Milkha Singh had criticised Salman's appointment to that role, but till date, the IOA has stood right behind the Bollywood actor. "He is such a big celebrity superstar, but he follows protocol," Mehta said. "He wants to do his job through the IOA. We are very happy to have appointed him as goodwill ambassador."
