'Raped woman' remark: IOA contemplating to drop Salman Khan as goodwill ambassador for Rio Games?

New Delhi: Days after his controversial ‘raped woman’ comment stirred a huge controversy, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is contemplating to drop the Bollywood superstar as goodwill ambassador for upcoming Rio Olympics.

According to a report in DNA, IOA has threatened to drop Salman as goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the biggest sporting extravaganza if an immediate "public apology" isn't issued by him.

IOA's joint secretary and India's chef-de-mission for Rio Games, Rakesh Gupta, on Wednesday took serious note of his comment and said that "his comments as goodwill ambassador would send wrong message to all the sportspersons in the country".

"He shouldn't have used this analogy to describe his shooting schedule. He should have given a different answer or cited some other example. This way he has hurt the image of Indian sports. This statement will have an adverse effect with the Rio Olympics fast approaching," Gupta told DNA, adding: "He should immediately apologise for his remark."

Gupta also tried to get in touch with the 50-year-old actor, who is currently said to be in Spain for an awards ceremony.

DNA's report further added that Salman's name had already been dropped from the list of invitees who would be present during the Indian contingent's send-off ceremony in the third week of July.

"It has been conveyed to Salman's PR team (IOS)," the official said on condition of anonymity.

 Salman Khan's appointment as India's Goodwill Ambassador at the upcoming Rio Games was criticized by several Indian athletes.