Surge in Brand Valuation for Indian Athletes After Paris 2024 Olympics
New Delhi, August 22, 2024 – The success of Indian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics is translating into unprecedented brand valuation boosts for the country’s sports stars. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shooter Manu Bhaker are leading the charge with remarkable increases in their endorsement value.
Neeraj Chopra: With his recent achievement of winning a silver medal in javelin, Chopra’s brand valuation is projected to skyrocket from USD 29.6 million to over USD 40 million (approximately Rs 330 crore). This surge is set to elevate him beyond several prominent cricketers in the country, making him the highest valued non-cricketer among Indian sportspersons. The financial advisory firm Kroll’s data, reported by the Economic Times, highlights that Neeraj’s brand value will now surpass that of India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Manu Bhaker: The 22-year-old shooter, who secured two bronze medals and narrowly missed a third in Paris, is also experiencing a brand boom. Bhaker has recently signed a lucrative endorsement deal worth Rs 1.5 crore with soft drink giant ThumsUp. Her endorsement fee, which was Rs 25 lakh per deal per year before the Olympics, has seen a dramatic increase. Neerav Tomar, CEO and MD of IOS Sports and Entertainment, which manages Bhaker, revealed that around 40 brands have shown interest in signing her.
Vinesh Phogat: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, despite not winning a medal, was one of India’s standout performers at Paris 2024. Her endorsement fees have similarly risen from Rs 25 lakh to approximately Rs 1 crore per deal per year, reflecting her enhanced market value post-Olympics.
The Paris 2024 Olympics have undeniably propelled Indian athletes into the spotlight, with their exceptional performances driving significant growth in their brand valuations.