After Shobhaa De's insulting remark, here's how Sachin Tendulkar backed Indian athletes in Rio 2016

The cricket icon said that the start might not have been great for India at Rio, but with the support of the fans, things will change at the biggest sporting spectacle.

New Delhi: Soon after Indian author Shobhaa De posted a tweet mocking India's performances in ongoing Rio Olympics, former batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has thrown his weight behind the Indian athletes.

The Master Blaster, who is also India's goodwill ambassador for Rio Olympics, was interacting with media post his return from Brazil.

"Results sometimes go your way, sometimes go against you. But I feel, when results don't go your way, that is the time I would like to support those athletes and be with them, be behind them," he said.

The Mumbaikar said that the start might not have been great for India at Rio, but with the support of the fans, things will change at the biggest sporting spectacle.

"The first half hasn't gone according to our plan, our expectations, but I am sure with our support, things will change. I for sure will be with our athletes, and back them, especially when the chips are down," said the 43-year-old.

Tendulkar had met the Indian athletes at the Games Village to encourage them, and had also watched some events, including the match of Indian women's doubles pair of Sania Mirza and Prarthana Thombare.

The icon also spent some time with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach during a rugby sevens match.

Earlier, De has triggered a massive outrage on Twitter with her tweet mocking Indian athletes' performances in Rio.

Here is what she tweeted:

Goal of Team India at the Olympics: Rio jao. Selfies lo. Khaali haat wapas aao. What a waste of money and opportunity.

— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) August 8, 2016