 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Steffi Graf has taken up a new role, with an Indian connection at that.
The legendary German tennis star was, on Wednesday, appointed the Ayurveda brand ambassador of Kerala.
A decision to this effect had been taken in a cabinet meet on Saturday, wherein the Kerala tourism department was given sanction to sign an agreement with Graf to become Ayurveda brand ambassador as part of the department's 'Visit Kerala Scheme', the state Chief Minister Oommen Chandy confirmed.
"The Kerala tourism department was given sanction to sign an agreement with Graf to become Ayurveda brand ambassador as part of the department's 'Visit Kerala Scheme'," Chandy said.
The state government hopes Graf's huge global fan following will be big boost for Ayurveda promotion worldwide. Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care famous for its holistic effect on body and mind, attracts large number of people from around the world every year.
In a glittering career Graf won 22 Grand slam single titles, second only to Margaret Court-Smith's 24. Besides, in 1988, she became the first and thus far the only tennis player to have won the all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year.
The 46-year-old, who retired in 1999, married former no. 1 Andre Agassi in October 2001.