A war of words has ignited between Indian athletics legend Milkha Singh and Bollywood veteran Salim Khan, whose superstar son Salman Khan was announced recently as the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the upcoming summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August, reports Indian Express.
Salman’s selection was criticised by several members of the Indian sports fraternity, including Milkha Singh and 2012 London Olympics wrestling bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt.
Salim Khan responded to the criticism by reminding Milkha Singh that it was films that revived his legacy in the Indian consciousness.
Salim was referring to Farhan Akhtar-starring biopic on Milkha Singh, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which was a huge hit in 2013.
Milkha Singh, on the other hand, has responded to Salim Khan’s comments by saying that the movie industry hasn’t done any favour by making a film on him.
“It’s okay they have made a film on me. I don’t think that the movie industry has made a favour to me by making a film on my life.
“If they have any function, will they put any sportsmen as their chairman or ambassador? I gave my story for Re.1 and it is not a little thing. The movie made crores.
“If Salman Khan’s father is saying that Milkha Singh has said anything wrong, then I don’t agree to it, because the entire nation is saying that I am right and they are with me,” Singh was quoted as saying by Times Now news channel.
He reiterated that actors need not be ambassadors of athletic or sports contingents.
“The IOA should have thought of what’s the need of the ambassador. I’m saying that the team who all are going whether it is shooting, wrestling, boxing or athletics, they all are our ambassadors. Out of 120 crore people in India, they have been our ambassador then what is the need of any other ambassador?
“It doesn’t make sense to appoint someone in this role. If an ambassador is required, we have many great sportspersons, like Sachin Tendulkar, P.T. Usha, Ajitpal Singh, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore,” he added.
