The remarkable performances of Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024 are poised to significantly boost their brand value. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shooter Manu Bhaker, both of whom have now secured two Olympic medals, are experiencing the most substantial surges in their brand value. Neeraj's silver medal in the javelin event and Manu's breakout success, earning two bronze medals and finishing fourth in another category, have propelled their commercial appeal. While Neeraj is set to surpass the valuations of many renowned cricketers, Manu is also securing lucrative deals. According to a report based on data from the financial advisory firm Kroll, Neeraj Chopra's valuation is projected to skyrocket from USD 29.6 million to over USD 40 million (approximately Rs 330 crore). Prior to the Olympics, Neeraj's brand valuation was on par with that of India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya, but he is now poised to eclipse even him. Neeraj has become the highest-valued non-cricketer among Indian sportspersons, and this gap is expected to widen further. Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooter, has also emerged as a sensation, recently signing a brand endorsement deal worth a staggering Rs 1.5 crore with the soft drink brand Thumbs Up.
According to the report, before the Paris Olympics 2024, the fee for Bhaker's endorsements was around Rs 25 lakh per deal per year. However, this amount has increased substantially. Recently, Neerav Tomar, the CEO and Managing Director of IOS Sports and Entertainment, which manages Bhaker, informed The Times of India that approximately 40 brands had approached them seeking Bhaker's endorsement. Although she did not win a medal, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was arguably India's best performer at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has also seen a rise in her endorsement value. Similar to Bhaker, Vinesh's endorsement fee has increased from Rs 25 lakh per deal per year to around Rs 1 crore.