As a debate raged over the appointment, BJP MP and yesteryear actress Hema Malini supported the decision of the Indian Olympic Association(IOA), saying Salman's popularity is being utilised for a good cause.
However, another BJP leader and Haryana Health and Sports Minister Anil Vij disapproved of the decision. Vij said "filmy hero" will not bring medals for the country.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar saw nothing wrong in Salman's appointment as Indian contingent's brand ambassador for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. "Why not?", he asked in response to a query on the matter.
"People love him so much. So if he is the brand ambassador, what is the problem," Hema told reporters when asked to comment on Salman's appointment.
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"Salman Khan may not have competed but is an A level swimmer cyclist and weight lifter.. Sportsmen are performing because of sports lovers like us," Salim, 80, wrote.
50-year-old Khan's appointment has been criticised by some top sportspersons, including star wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and sprint legend Milkha Singh who have questioned IOA's decision to go with the superstar over a sportsperson.
Milkha, whose life was turned into a blockbuster film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", had said that sports personalities like PT Usha should have been considered by IOA instead of importing "a person from Bollywood."
"The same industry which resurrected you from fading away in oblivion."
Vij said wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt should have been made the brand ambassador.
In a tweet, Vij said "Yogeshwar Dutt forget Salman Khan. You are a real hero, Salman is a filmy hero. Real heroes, not filmy hero will bring medals for the country."
Recently Yogeshwar Dutt, an Olympic medalist, had said in social media that the appointment of Salman was not a good decision.
Vij was of the view that IOA should have appointed some renowned Indian sportsman.