Happy to Bat for India's 2016 Rio Olympics Athletes: Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar became the third celebrity after Salman Khan and Abhinav Bindra to become India's Goodwill ambassador for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: May 03, 2016 04:29 PM IST
Highlights
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Sachin Tendulkar is the latest to be appointed India's Olympic ambassador
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Earlier, Salman Khan and Abhinav Bindra were appointed in the same post
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Salman's appointment led to controversy
Sachin Tendulkar is excited to become a goodwill ambassador for the Indian contingent for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The cricket legend is the third celebrity after Bollywood star Salman Khan and Beijing Olympics shooting champion Abhinav Bindra to associate with the national squad for the Summer Games.
In a letter to the Indian Olympic Association on Tuesday, Tendulkar said: "I have had the privilege and honour of representing my nation for 24 years and I continue to bat for India off the field. The welfare of sportspersons and encouraging them to give their best is very dear to me."
Bharat Ratna Tendulkar has often reached out to India's athletes through the social media. He has appreciated the effort put in by athletes for the upcoming Games.
"I strongly believe that the sportspersons from different parts of the country, pursuing their unique skills, are the true ambassadors of the growing sporting culture in this country.
"Awareness about their struggles, disciple and single-minded focus will help develop many more world beating champions and encourage passionate following of the Olympics in our country".
"It will be my pleasure to meet these world-class athletes before they leave for Rio (and) to learn about their experiences and preparations.
"I am also happy to be part of any awareness campaign that can rally the country around our athletes and motivate them, including amplifying their efforts and success on my Twitter and Facebook accounts.
"I am keen to rally enhanced support for our champion athletes. My best wishes to the entire contingent as we look forward to them proudly expressing themselves in Rio."
India won six medals in the 2012 London Games.