Over 40 brands have reached out to Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, the shining star of India’s shooting squad, is seeing her popularity skyrocket. After clinching two Bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events, she’s on the verge of adding a third in the 25m air pistol event. Her recent success has attracted a flood of endorsement offers from over 40 brands.
Bhaker, who used to previously charge Rs. 20-25 lakh per endorsement, has seen her fees soar to an astounding 6-7 times higher. A deal worth Rs. 1.5 crore has already been finalized. “We have received about 40 inquiries in just the last 2-3 days. Our focus is on long-term associations, and we’ve closed a couple of deals,” said Neerav Tomar, CEO and MD of IOS Sports & Entertainment.
Tomar highlighted the shift in interest from short-term digital engagements to more substantial long-term deals, emphasising Bhaker’s growing marketability. He also noted, “In the Olympics, you stand out. With two medals, you completely outshine.”
Following her Tokyo Olympics disappointment, Bhaker is now on track to become a national sporting brand, akin to Neeraj Chopra, whose Olympic gold turned him into an icon.
