2016 Rio Olympics: Salman Khan Becomes India's Goodwill Ambassador

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been named Indian Contingent's goodwill ambassador for the 2016 Rio Olympics. This is the first time that a Bollywood superstar will be a goodwill ambassador for the national squad for as big an event like the Summer Olympics.

The announcement was made in Delhi in front of sporting stars like MC Mary Kom, Sardar Singh, Ritu Rani, Deepika Kumari, Apurvi Chandela, Manika Batra. The Games start from August 5.

"Olympic sports don't get enough viewership as compared to cricket. It's not cricket's fault but our fault for not watching. They need our support," Salman Khan said after being named as India's goodwill ambassador for Olympics. " I will try to go to Rio for a while if not for full duration."

He also revealed that he is a fan of Sania Mirza, Sushil Kumar and Vijender Singh.

"My sporting heroes are Sania, Sushil and Vijender. I hope I can give them the push that they need, in my role as goodwill ambassador. Kuch Na much zaroor leke aana (Bring medals for country)," he said.

Salman, who in Bollywood movies show him as an icon of strength and power, has been seen at Pro-Kabaddi league matches. In July last year, Salman was seen at the match between U Mumba and Puneri Paltan.

The Bollywood star has also been linked to the Indian Super League football team FC Pune City.

Life Insurance Cover For Rio Athletes

The Edelweiss Group, India's leading Diversified Financial Services Conglomerate, will be Indian Olympic Association's principal partner for the Rio Olympics 2016. Edelweiss Group announced a life Insurance cover of Rs One Crore for all the athletes representing India at the Rio Olympics 2016.

So far, 75 Indian athletes in 8 disciplines have qualified for the Rio Olympic Games.

(With inputs from Suprita Das)