Salman Khan’s no Olympic hero

This isn’t about Salman Khan, once again being caught in a storm — thankfully no dead people or animals this time. Or about the fake petitions allegedly filed by Aishwarya Rai protesting his appointment. We’re simply of the view that athletes the caliber of ‘The Flying Sikh’, Milkha Singh, and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt are justified in having their backs up against the Indian Olympics Association for appointing a non-sportsperson as a goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The problem here isn’t Salman Khan – why would he turn down the honour? It’s great publicity for his upcoming film Sultan, in which he plays a wrestler.

We’re guessing the appointing committee wanted to up the glamour quotient of the contingent, and gain a better viewership, something that a Bollywood celeb can do. But surely it’s times like these to showcase our best/most under-rated sporting talent, and give people who aren’t usually given the platform, a chance to lead. If IOA Secretary-General Rajiv Mehta believes the Salman association is only a gesture (and there’s no “monetary consideration”), and Salman is feeling benevolent, have him walk in the last line, with a handful of other Bollywood celebs, even — no problem with that. But at the front, get a true sportsman, someone who’s made India proud; the youngest member, or the most senior, or the one with the most medals. That would inspire the Olympic contingent. Get even a retired great for the job. Milkha Singh with his screen buddy Farhan Akhtar (who played him in the biopic) would make more sense if IOA is keen on a Bollywood face. So many names come to mind. What’s Sachin Tendulkar doing these days, anyway?