Akshay, Katrina brand ambassadors of National Games

Ranchi, Sep 24 (IANS) Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif have been appointed as brand ambassadors of the 34th National Games 2009, starting Nov 21 in Jharkhand.

"They will be present at the inaugural as well as closing ceremony of the National Games," R.K. Aanand, president of Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA), told reporters here Thursday.

"They will also endorse the promotion of the National Games," he added.

Asked why Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has not been appointed as brand ambassador, Aanand said: "Dhoni is from Jharkhand and we will invite him for the inaugural and closing ceremony."

According to sources in National Games Organising Committee (NGOC), Akshay and Katrina have been paid Rs.4 crore. Posters and cut-outs of both the stars will be used for promotion.

Jharkhand was awarded the 34th National Games in 2002. First, they were expected to be held in 2007 but couldn't take place due to lack of proper infrastructure. They were then rescheduled for December 2008, then shifted to February 2009 and again to June 2009 -- but each time they were postponed due to incomplete infrastructure.

Katrina Kaif Pictures