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How Bindra is a true goodwill ambassador...

Last updated on: May 10, 2016 16:56 IST

Bindra eager to motivate India's Rio Olympics contingent

Abhinav Bindra

IMAGE: India's Abhinav Bindra. Photograph: Getty Images.

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.

The marksman made sure that he plays his role to perfection.

In a personal letter to each of India’s Olympic-bound athlete, on May 6, Bindra called upon his country mates to share their thoughts on the Games and made himself available for questions, chat or queries if any was needed by them.

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.

Salman as India's Rio Olympics ambassador: Right or wrong?