"People love him so much. So if he is the brand ambassador, what is the problem," she said.
Asked about his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run case, she told reporters outside Parliament House,said that was a "section of his life...his popularity has to be utilised for a good cause."
The IOA is on the backfoot after Khan's appointment as goodwill ambassador of India's Olympic contingent was criticised by some top sportspersons, including star wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and sprint legend Milkha Singh.
Salman, who is playing the role of a wrestler in his upcoming film 'Sultan', was named goodwill ambassador by the IOA.