Amitabh must be made CWG main brand ambassador: Vijay Kumar Malhotra

Indian Olympic Association senior vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra has suggested Amitabh Bachchan's name as the main brand ambassador for the Commonwealth Games to be held in the national capital later this year.

In a letter to IOA president and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Malhotra, who is also an Executive Board member of the CWG, said given his credentials and star status, the film icon is the best fit for the post.

"Commonwealth Games is going to be an important milestone in the history of contemporary India. It will not only showcase our sporting talent but also social and cultural heritage.

"In this regard the appointment of Brand Ambassador for Commonwealth Games 2010 is going to be very crucial becauee they will be looked upon as the best and brightest of the country. These Brand Ambassadors, as they will be representing the country, should be proud of being given the job and they should do it in the national interest and not for money," Malhotra wrote in his letter to Kalmadi.

"I suggest Shri Amitabh Bachchan should be appointed as the main Brand Ambassador of Commonwealth Games. Shri Bachchan represents best of India's mid-age generation and is an icon for the youngsters. He was the Brand Ambassador of 1982 Delhi Asiad and I strongly feel Shri Bachchan should be given this honour again," he said.

"The OC has already named some Brand Ambassadors and and some more are going to be appointed very soon. I suggest we should appoint only those cine stars, sportsperson and other celebrities who have clean record and are prepared to do this job without asking for any honourarium," he added.