Gautam Gambhir on Salman Khan being chosen as Rio Olympics Ambassador: ‘I’d have been happier if a sports person was selected’

Gambhir said on Monday, "If there is no shortage of sportsmen in the country, I'd have been happier if a sportsman was chosen". Virat Kohli meanwhile refused too comment on the issue, saying, "It is not my place to comment if it is right or wrong."

Written by: India.com News Desk

Updated: April 25, 2016, 10:00 PM IST

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Mumbai, April 25: Cricketer Gautam Gambhir on Monday joined a growing chorus of voices objecting to the appointment of Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the Goodwill ambassador for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Gambhir on Monday said that he would have liked to see some sports person as the Ambassdor instead of Khan. Gambhir’s statement comes after several prominent sports people including ace sprinter Milkha Singh protested against Khan’s appointment on Sunday.

Gambhir said on Monday, “If there is no shortage of sportsmen in the country, I’d have been happier if a sportsman was chosen”, adding, “I’d have been happier if someone like Abhinav Bindra or someone would have been made the brand ambassador.” The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper’s statement came after Virat Kohli refused too comment on the issue, saying, “It is not my place to comment if it (the decision to appoint Salman as Ambassador) is right or wrong.” Also Read: Salman Khan as Rio Olympics Ambassador: 10 sports persons who could have been chosen by IOA instead!

Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt had been the first one to voice his protestations, questioning what Khan had done for sports to warrant such an honour. “The country needs medals, not sponsors”, said Dutt. Milkha Singh had also said that the move was wrong and had even demanded that the government act against it. “India has produced so many sportspersons who have given their sweat and blood for the country — such as PT Usha, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Ajit Pal and so many others. One of them could have been made a goodwill ambassador”, said Singh.

If theres no shortage of sportsmen in the country I’d have been happier if a sportsmen was chosen: Gautam Gambhir pic.twitter.com/zh0j03w6Tt

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 25, 2016

I’d have been happier if someone like Abhinav Bindra or someone would have been made the brand ambassador: Gautam Gambhir #RioOlympics2016

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 25, 2016