IOA ropes in Salman Khan as ambassador for Rio Olympics

NEW DELHI: 'Salman Khan ko Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ne goodwill ambassador kyun bana diya?' (Why did IOA opt for Salman Khan as the contingent's goodwill ambassador) was the word going around even before the event had officially started.
An hour later, after constant reminders and miffed expressions on journalists' faces, five sportspersons – Sardar Singh, Mary Kom, Apurvi Chandela, Manika Batra and Ritu Rani – arrived on the podium along with IOA president N Ramachandran and general secretary Rajeev Mehta, unaware of the sarcasm hidden in the polite applause.
It was a tough moment for Ramachandran though. He was about to sit on the seat kept at the centre of the stage, however better sense prevailed and he was quick to realize his error. The sight of the empty seat meant it was for the 'Superstar'. In walked 'Bhai', in his grand style. After a brief 'ooohs and aaahs', whistles and cheers, the excited eyes settled. The Indian contingent's goodwill ambassador for the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics had finally arrived.
'Why were you late?' was the curt but justified question thrown at Salman Khan. 'Aapke odd-even ki wajah se' (Because of your odd-even scheme), came the sharp reply, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. With this statement, he echoed the sentiments of most of the Delhiites these days.
Minutes later, after Salman had answered a dozen questions directed at him, a scribe reminded him of a similar role he had with another sports body, which turned out to be a failure. So, how will this one be different and help Indian athletes? "Since my arrival, all your questions have been directed at me," he said, and then answered: "It's always mutual. There are always two parties involved."
Why Salman Khan and not a sportsperson has been named the goodwill ambassador was raised by some sportspersons as well. "It's good a star like him is supporting our Olympics campaign. However, a sportsperson would have been a better option and motivated us more. They have gone through a similar grind and would have connected with us much better," one of them told TOI.
'We are known as the Chak De India team'
The only time an Indian women's hockey team has appeared in the Olympics was in Moscow Games in 1980, and they were invited to make up the numbers after West's boycott. In the absence of Olympic glory or even participation, India women's hockey team's most storied achievement remains the gold medal in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
However, under captain Ritu Rani, the team has qualified for the Olympics after 36 years after finishing fifth in the 2014–15 Women's FIH Hockey World League Semifinals.
"When we got to know about our qualification, we were kind of speechless. We finished second in the Olympic qualifying round back in 2012. We could not make it to the London Games. That was a huge disappointment. We had to wait for another four years to make it," Ritu Rani told TOI on Saturday.
Having broken the stereotypes firmly ingrained in the Indian society, she says now more and more parents would allow their daughters to take up sport as a career. "I am sure our success will motivate parents to encourage their daughters to take up hockey. In fact, 'Chak De India' brought women's hockey into limelight. Back in 2007, we were invited to its premiere. Nowadays, people sometimes call us the 'Chak De India' team," she smiled.
She says catching up on movies acts as a team building activity. "All of us go and watch movies together or listen to Punjabi songs. The last one we saw was Ki & Ka."
With success comes financial stability and so is the case with Rani. "My dad is a government employee and my mother is a homemaker. When I started playing hockey, I used to ask my parents for money. Now, thankfully, I am able to send money home. Now, we have bought two homes. It feels good when you are able to support the family and make your parents proud."
Ritu said she wants to see a women's hockey league taking place soon. "Men's hockey league has benefitted their game. The best players from all over the world come and play here. We need something similar in women's hockey as well."
'What does not kill you makes you stronger'
It's the motto Indian men's hockey team captain Sardar Singh lives by.
Accusations of sexual harassment scarred him mentally and brought a lot of negative energy in his life. However, it wasn't enough to kill his spirit. The 29-year old answered back in style by leading his team—Punjab Warriors—to the Hockey India League title.
"There are up and downs in one's life. There have been many such moments. Bad moments teach us and make us stronger. It depends on the person how he bounces back from it. I can't control other people's behavior. There are only a certain things in my hands. Now, my focus is just on Rio," Sardar told TOI.
Is the fear of expectations and failure something that bothers him? "It depends on you. Self-motivation, self-talk is the best motivation. Nobody can change your mindset. You have to do it yourself."