Salman involved in a controversy is not a new thing: Katrina Kaif

New Delhi: Seems like Katrina Kaif feels Salman Khan and controversy go hand-in-hand.

During the wrap up party of ‘Baar Baar Dekho’, Katrina was asked about former boyfriend Salman being appointed as the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics. A smiling Katrina shot back, “Salman ko leke controversy hai woh naya cheez hai kya?” (What is new with Salman Khan being entangled in a controversy?)

Controversy kicked off when the 50-year-old actor was recently appointed as the Goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the 2016 Summer Olympic to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Several members of the Indian sports fraternity have questioned the selection of the actor as brand ambassador.

2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt made his displeasure known through a series of tweets barely an hour after the decision was announced. He wrote, “Everybody has the right to promote movies in India, but Olympics is not a place to promote films.”

The 33-year-old Yogeshwar felt a sportsperson would have been more apt for the position. “Sportspersons like PT Usha and Milkha Singh strived hard for the nation during difficult times. But what has this ambassador done in sports?”

Milkha Singh too felt that the IOA has taken a wrong decision and should reconsider the move. “India has produced so many sportspersons who have given their sweat and blood for the country like PT Usha, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Ajit Pal and so many others. One of these could have been made a goodwill ambassador. What was the need to import a person from Bollywood?” he asked.

However, Sardar and Mary Kom felt that the Bollywood celebrity’s mass appeal will help raise awareness about Olympic sports ahead of the Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.

The IOA stood firm on its decision to name Salman and said it would rope in more icons from music and cricket to motivate the Rio-bound athletes.