The Indian Olympic Association has appointed Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as a goodwill ambassador of its athlete contingent for Rio 2016 during an event held at the Olympic Bhawan ©IOA

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appointed Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as a goodwill ambassador of its athlete contingent for Rio 2016 during an event held at the Olympic Bhawan.

It marks the first time in the history of the IOA that a goodwill ambassador has been appointed from Bollywood.

"I am honoured that the Indian Olympic Association has chosen me as the goodwill ambassador for the Indian contingent for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," said Khan.

"It is a matter of great national pride that our athletes are performing better and better at the Olympic Games and I think we should all join hands in giving them every support and cheer for them so that Rio 2016 becomes our best Olympic tally."

The announcement was made in the presence of several Indian athletes, including London 2012 bronze medal-winning flyweight boxer Mary Kom.

"This is a big moment for all of us that Mr Salman Khan has joined us as our family member during Rio Olympics," said Kom, who will be looking to claim her sixth global title at next month’s Women’s World Boxing Championships.

"My preparations for Rio Olympic qualification are going on and I will be competing in the World Championship soon." 

Sardar Singh and Ritu Rani, captain of the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams respectively, were also in attendance along with shooter Apurvi Chandela and table tennis player Manika Batra.

Mary Kom, the London 2012 bronze medal-winning flyweight boxer, has given her backing to the appointment of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as a goodwill ambassador for India's team for Rio 2016 ©Getty Images
Mary Kom, the London 2012 bronze medal-winning flyweight boxer, has given her backing to the appointment of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as a goodwill ambassador for India's team for Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

The partnership between Khan and the IOA was facilitated by the IOA’s official marketing agency, IOS Sports & Entertainment.

"We welcome Salman Khan as the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the Rio Olympics and his association is in line with our focus to create the required excitement in the country," said IOA President N Ramachandran.

"His association will not only attract sports lovers but also help motivate the players to do well in the Olympics.

"We are sure our association with Salman Khan will go a long way."

The IOA has also announced Edelweiss Group, one of India's leading diversified financial services conglomerates, as its principal sponsor for Rio 2016.

Edelweiss Group has announced a life Insurance cover of Rs One Crore (£104,000/$150,000/€133,000) for all the athletes representing India at Rio 2016.

It will be provided by Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, a life insurance venture between Edelweiss Financial Services, Mumbai and Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. 

To date, 75 Indian athletes in eight disciplines have qualified for Rio 2016 with many more expected to qualify in the next two months.