MUMBAI: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said he will accept an invitation from the Indian Olympic Association to become the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Olympics this year.
In a letter to the former India cricket team captain, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta stated: “The IOA extends the honour to you to be the goodwill ambassador of Team India to the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020. We hope you will generously extend your support for Team India.”
Mehta said this edition of the Olympics is an important milestone as it marks the hundred years of participation of the country at the Games, and Ganguly’s support and inspiration will be valuable for the Indian athletes, especially the younger ones.
“You are an inspiration for a billion people, especially the youth. As an administrator you have always nurtured young talent. We are hopeful your association with Team India to the Tokyo 2020 would be a boost for our young athletes and a privilege for the Olympic movement in India,” Mehta further states in his letter.
“I will accept the role,” Ganguly told Indian Express, while confirming that he has received the proposal from the IOA.
It is only the second time that the Indian contingent will have a ‘goodwill ambassador’.
Ahead of the Rio Olympics in 2016, the IOA had brought Salman Khan on board. The decision had kicked up a storm, with London Olympics Bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt and sprint legend Milkha Singh questioning the move. Many others, including boxer Mary Kom and former India hockey captain Sardar Singh, backed the move, saying it would enhance the popularity of Olympic sports.
The Tokyo Olympic Games will be held from July 24 to August 9.
