NEW DELHI: Oscar nominee famous Indian musician and composer Allah Rakha Rahman aka A.R Rahman has been appointed as India’s goodwill ambassador for the upcoming Rio Olympics.
According to a spokesperson from the Indian Olympic Association, A.R. Rahman was offered to become the goodwill ambassador by the association which he accepted.
“It’s absolutely an honour and my pleasure to be a goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent scheduled for August 2016,” said Rahman in the confirmation letter.
Earlier, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was also selected as the representative, which raised a hue and cry among sports heroes.
IOA was asked that what is the logic behind selecting a film actor in the Olympics instead of sports heroes.
However, IOA’s Secretary-General said the aim of appointing such big names was to ensure maximum reach of the Indian celebs to the local audience.
“As per our plan to reach out to maximum people in the country for Olympic Sports, we are happy that Mr. Rahman has come forward from the field of music to support our athletes and we already have Salman Khan from Bollywood, Abhinav Bindra from Olympic Sports and Sachin Tendulkar from Cricket. I am sure Mr. Rahman will inspire our sportspersons,” he said.
