Mixed reactions to Salman's appointment

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 25: Superstar Salman Khan’s appointment as the Goodwill Ambassador for Rio Olympics 2016 by the Indian Olympic Association sparked a controversy in the sports fraternity. Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and former athlete Milkha Singh already showed their unhappiness on IOA’s decision.

A section of sports fraternity of Assam however expressed mixed reactions to this episode. Some provided support towards Yogeswar and Milkha as they felt that not a Bollywood actor, a sports person would be the right choice for the post. Another fraction felt that IOA did nothing wrong by appointing Salman Khan as the Goodwill Ambassador.

Former intertiol athlete Tayabun Nessa although had no complain to invite people from cultural field to popularize the sports but according to her sports persons should be given top priority in such mega sports event like Olympics. “This is unfortute that in most of the cases once the career of a sports person came to an end in our country he or she is ignored and doesn’t get the desire respect that are earned by the persolities of other fields. I feel sports persons too get equal attention from all,” said the athlete who was the part of Indian team that took part in the 1982 Asian Games.

Raktim Saikia, the president of the All Assam Tennis Association, said, “IOA’s decision to bring Salman Khan as Goodwill Ambassador for Rio Olympics is the worst that could happen to sports in India. This needs to be cancelled. If an ambassador is required a sports person is to be appointed.”

Secretary of the Assam Weightlifting Association Bhabajyoti Goswami too felt in similar way. “We have our own stars and they are suitable for this post also. I don’t understand the necessity to appoint someone from the other field as a Goodwill Ambassador of Rio Olympic ignoring our own heroes.”

Meanwhile the secretary of the Assam Boxing Association Hemanta Kalita felt that Indian Olympic Association has done nothing wrong by appointing Salman Khan as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Rio Olympic. Talking to The Sentinel he said,“ We need such people to popularize the game in our country. IOA already made it clear that they will also associate few top former sports persons of the country with Indian team campaign in Rio Olympic 2016. So there is no reason of hue and cry.”