Raza Murad supports 'youth icon' Salman Khan over Rio Olympics row!

New Delhi: Extending his support to actor Salman Khan named the brand ambassador of the Indian contingent for the 2016 Summer Olympic to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Bollywood veteran Raza Murad on Tuesday said the former is a youth icon and will inspire many youngsters to get into sports. OMG!! Aishwarya started a petition against Salman Khan over Olympic Brand Ambassador controversy; WATCH INSIDE "Salman is a citizen of this country. He is a superstar. Nothing will affect him even if he is not selected as the brand ambassador. He is a youth icon. Salman's selection as the brand ambassador will inspire many young people to get into sports," Murad told. Indian Olympic Association DEFENDS Salman’s appointment as goodwill ambassador! READ MORE… "There are some people, who just know how to criticize," he added while downplaying the views put forth by some sportspersons. Criticizing Milkha Singh for opposing the 50-year-old actor's selection as the brand ambassador, Murad said that the legendary athlete should be thankful to the film industry, which has made him popular yet again through the movie 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. Dad Salim DEFENDS Salman, Lashes out at Milkha Singh! READ MORE… "With due respect to Milkha Singh and his words, he has not won a single medal in Olympics. If anyone is really worthy of being a brand ambassador after Salman is Abhinav Bindra. He is happy about Salman's selection," said Murad. "Milkha Singh should not forget that the people had forgotten him till the movie 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' was made. So, it is due to this film industry that you have again become popular," he added. SHOCKING! Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt LASHES OUT at Salman; Calls his appointment as an ambassador, a mere promotion for Sultan! READ INSIDE… Salman's father and veteran writer Salim Khan too lashed out at Milkha Singh in a series of tweets last night, saying the 'Dabangg' actor is an A-level swimmer, cyclist and weight-lifter. "Salman may not have competed but is an A list swimmer, cyclist and weight lifter. Sportsmen are performing because of sports lovers like us," he tweeted. "It's not Bollywood industry but the Indian film industry which is the largest in the world," he said in a series of tweets. ANI