`Honoured` Bindra eager to motivate India’s Rio contingent

New Delhi : Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra has said that he felt honoured to be named one of the goodwill ambassadors for the Indian contingent at this year’s Summer Olympics, adding he is looking forward to support and motivate all sportspersons representing the country in Rio de Janeiro.

“It’s a real honour for me to be the goodwill ambassador of Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics. I am happy to support and motivate all fellow sportspersons who will be representing our country at the Rio Olympics. The welfare of sportspersons and encouraging them to give their best is very precious to me,” Bindra said.

“I strongly believe that all the sportspersons from different parts of the country, pursuing their unique skills are the true ambassadors of the growing sporting culture in this country. I have already extended my full support to all Rio qualified athletes by sending letters to each one of them,” he added.

The Indian Olympic Association’s ( IOA) decision to invite legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Bindra as one of the goodwill ambassador came after Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s appointment left the sporting fraternity divided, with London Olympics bronze-medallist Yogeshwar Dutt and legendary sprinter Milkha Singh questioning the move.

Meanwhile, those in support of Salman said that his selection would give a glamour quotient to the Indian team’s presence at the Olympics and would also help in drawing maximum attention from the masses for the Games. (ANI)