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Spotlight on Salman Khan at IOA's Olympic contingent send-off

Salman was accompanied by music maestro AR Rahman, who is also IOA's Goodwill Ambassador.

By :  amita verma | dc with bureau inputs
Update: 2016-07-19 06:43 GMT
The Indian Olympic contingent was given a warm send-off on Monday, but it was Bollywood actor and IOA's Goodwill Ambassador Salman Khan who turned out to be the cynosure of all eyes, instead of the Rio-bound athletes present on the occasion. Photo: Viral Bhayani
Rahman, who performed a song that matched the occasion, said, \"Once upon a time I thought that it was impossible task for an Indian to get an Oscar or a Grammy but time has proved that it was possible to win and it is a testimony that anything can be achieved.\"
Sports Minister Goel lauded the efforts of the athletes and support staff. \"We are sending 121 athletes this time, which is the highest contingent till now. This contingent is one third more than last year's. We are sending players in 15 disciplines. Players have worked very hard and even the coaches are worked well. We have provided them all the facilities under the vision of Prime Minister which is 'khelo aur khelne do',\" Goel said.
During the ceremony, Salman and Rahman gave the athletes flower bouquets with the cine star indulging in a bit of trademark banter.
Salman was controversially appointed as Goodwill Ambassador, which left the country's sporting fraternity divided.
Salman said, \"People have a lot of hope from this contingent, I wish you guys all the very best. I am here from Bombay to give you a send-off and respect that you deserve. I know how difficult it is to be a sportsperson and I know it because I couldn't become one. I didn't have that much strength to become a sportsman but you guys have it and that's why you guys have qualified. Go there and give your best. Please don't come early.\"
Tennis ace Sania Mirza, shuttlers PV Sindu and Kidambi Srikanth, talented wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Babita and Sandeep Tomar, archer Deepa Karmakar and paddler Manika Batra were some of the well-known athletes present on the occasion.
A record contingent of 121 athletes, including 54 women, will represent India at the upcoming sporting extravaganza in the Brazilian city known for its sand and sea.
Salman was accompanied by music maestro AR Rahman, who is also IOA's Goodwill Ambassador.

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