New Delhi, April 29: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has approached former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar to be the brand ambassador for the Indian contingent for the Rio Olympics to be held later this year. [Dear Salim Khan, don't insult Milkha Singh to defend your son]

The legendary cricketer was yet to respond to the Olympic body's request.

Reports also said ace music composer AR Rahman has also been approached for the role.

A major controversy broke out after filmstar Salman Khan was made the goodwill ambassador of the mega quadrennial event. While a number of personalities from the sporting world questioned the actor's appointment, many others endorsed him as well. [Salman Khan named India's good will ambassador at Rio Olympics]

Flying Sikh Milkha Singh, for instance, said the country's sportspersons are the real ambassadors of India representing the country in the Olympics and if still somebody had to be picked, he/she could have been from the sporting field.

He even had a war of words with Salim Khan, father of Salman, who defended his son's appointment and mocked Singh saying it was Bollywood which had saved him from fading into oblivion by making the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag on him.

Yogeshwar Dutt, an Olympic medal-winning wrestler, also criticised the decision saying Olympic is not a place for promoting films.

Other sportspersons like Abinav Bindra, Saina Nehwal, Sunil Gavaskar and Sourav Ganguly, however, backed Khan in the role.

Oneindia News