Defending the decision to appoint Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the Indian contingents goodwill ambassador for the Rio Olympics 2016, Indian Olympic Associations vice president Tarlochan Singh has said that the youth look towards such film celebrities and there is no harm in utilizing them.

When celebrities who appeal to public come forward to help, naturally we get more publicity, which is good for sports, Singh said.

Trend among youth is that they look towards such film celebrities. If we utilise them, theres no harm. Were getting his (Salman Khan) help and not giving him anything. The IOA is not paying him a penny, he said, responding to the criticism by several former Indian Olympians over Salmans appointment.