Sachin Tendulkar accepts IOA's request to become India's Olympic goodwill ambassador

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has accepted the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) offer to become the brand Amabassaor for India’s Rio 2016 contingent.

The move comes after the association came under scrutiny for selecting Salman Khan as their goodwill ambassador. A source close to the IOA said, “We are happy to know that Sachin Tendulkar has given a positive response to the letter.”

Writing to Chief N Ramachandran, Sachin said, “Thank you for the letter dated April 2016, regarding the upcoming Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro. It will be my pleasure to meet these world class athletes before they leave for Rio to learn about their experiences and preparations. I am also happy to be a part of any awareness campaign that can rally the country around our athletes and motivate them, including amplifying their efforts through Twitter and Facebook.”

He added, “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, discipline and single minded focus will help develop many more world beating champions and encourage passionate following of Olympics in the country.”

A copy of the acceptance letter written by Sachin Tendulkar

Earlier, a senior official had told Sportskeeda, “I can confirm that we have written to Sachin Tendulkar to represent us as a brand ambassador. People shouldn’t think that he will be replacing Salman, he will be an addition to the existent goodwill ambassador. We are not looking at just sports, the IOA has come to a decision to inculcate successful Indians from different fields, in order to motivate the Rio athletes.”

Sachin’s inclusion could pacify a lot of the criticism received by the IOA, thanks to his laurels won abroad. The 43-year old has consistently tweeted about India’s Olympic chances. He was specifically vocal about gymnast Dipa Karmakar’s achievements.

The IOA is still hopeful of A R Rahman’s inclusion as the fourth goodwill ambassador.