Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was named goodwill ambassador for India for the Olympics on 23 April.
And now, six days later, there are reports that the Indian Olympic Association has written to Sachin Tendulkar to don the same role.
And it was not like Salman’s appointment was hush-hush. It was made in the presence of Olympic medallists and Rio star athletes such as boxer MC Mary Kom, hockey captain Sardar Singh, and shooter Apurvi Chandela, among others.
So what is this new development? Is it a U-turn by the IOA or are they now appointing two goodwill ambassadors for the Rio Games?
While Salman’s appointment received support from some quarters, it drew a lot of criticism as well, with legendary runner Milkha Singh and Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt among those who ridiculed the choice.
“I am of the view that our sportspersons; be those from shooting, athletics, volleyball or other sports, they are the real ambassadors of India who would represent the country in the Olympics. Still, if we had to pick an ambassador, it could have been from the sporting arena,” Milkha had said.
Maybe the IOA have taken this on board and are now rectifying an error? Maybe they are softening the blow by making Tendulkar and Salman join hands?
Well, it’s all up in the air.