BEIJING Olympics gold medal winning shooter Abhinav Bindra and five others sportspersons were named yesterday as brand ambassadors for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The list also includes two other Beijing Olympic medallists - boxer Vijender Singh and wrestler Sushil Kumar - apart from shuttler Saina Nehwal, shooter Samaresh Jung and boxer MC Mary Kom, chairman of the organising committee Suresh Kalmadi said.

“These champions have done India proud with their achievements and will serve as remarkable brand ambassadors for the Games,” Kalmadi said.

Bindra won the 10m air rifle event in Beijing to become the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal.

Jung, a pistol shooter, was adjudged the best athlete of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, while Saina is world number two.

Mary Kom, mother of two, is a four-time world champion amateur boxer.

“Their focus, mental strength and resilience make them role models, inspiring generations of Indians not just with their achievements but also with their work ethic, discipline and determination,” Kalmadi said.

“I believe that they will lend their charisma to ensure that the Games are a huge draw with the people”.

The announcement came on a day when sports minister MS Gill inaugurated the remodelled Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which will stage the opening and closing ceremonies apart from events such as athletics.