Neeraj Chopra (R) and Manu Bhaker (L) at the Paris Olympics 2024 – AP Image
Neeraj Chopra’s brand value has gone up to 40 million dollars as Manu Bhaker recently signed an endorsement deal worth Rs 1.5 crore.
India’s ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shooting sensation Manu Bhaker waved the tri-colour high at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. Neeraj secured the silver, having finished behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, while Manu secured two bronze medals – in the women’s 10m air pistol shooting and the mixed team 10m air pistol shooting with Sarabjot Singh. Thanks to their achievements in the French capital, the brand value of both Indian athletes has witnessed a massive surge. Many companies have already contacted them to sign big deals.
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Neeraj had become a global star when he became the Tokyo Olympics champion in 2021. In terms of valuation, he has already eclipsed many Indian cricketers. Neeraj was on the same level with T20 World Cup winner Hardik Pandya ahead of the Paris Games. But now, he is expected to surpass the Indian all-rounder.
Neeraj Chopa’s valuation before the Paris Olympics was 29.6 million dollars which has currently gone up to 40 million dollars, Economic Times reported, citing data by financial advisory firm Kroll. Before featuring at the recent Summer Games, the former World Champion was already the highest-valued non-cricketer in India.
The report further claimed that Manu Bhaker earlier had an enforcement fee of 25 lakh per deal and the the figure has skyrocketed after her glorious Paris Olympics campaign. The 22-year-old shooter has already agreed on several contracts, with around 40 brands interested in signing her.
As per Neerav Tomar, the CEO of IOS Sports and Entertainment, which manages Manu, the Times of India reported. She has been roped in by prominent soft drink brand Thumsup, signing a staggering deal worth Rs 1.5 crore.
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Meanwhile, Vinesh Phogat has also been approached by many brands despite her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics. She advanced to the final of the women’s 50kg event but failed the weigh-in test ahead of the final. Her stock has shot to nearly Rs 1 crore from Rs 25 lakh.
The Indian contingent wrapped up the Paris Olympics with a total of six medals. Except for Neeraj Chopra, no other athlete could win a silver medal. Manu Bhaker, on the other hand, became the second female athlete from India to win two Olympic medals after badminton star PV Sindhu.
