Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin throw sensation, continues to soar both in his sport and in the endorsement world. After his historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and his silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics in August, Neeraj’s brand value has reached new heights. Estimated at $29.6 million before Paris, his brand value is expected to surpass $40 million shortly, highlighting the growing commercial prominence of Indian athletes in emerging sports.
Neeraj Chopra’s brand portfolio
Neeraj Chopra’s endorsement list reflects his success and appeal, with top global and Indian brands backing him. He currently endorses 24 major brands across a wide range of categories, including:
- Under Armour: An American sportswear giant.
- Omega: A Swiss luxury watch brand.
- Gillette: A leading men’s grooming brand.
- Samsung: A global leader in electronics.
- Visa: A prominent payments technology company.
- Coca-Cola: A globally recognized beverage brand.
- Britannia: A household food brand in India.
- Bharat Petroleum: A leading energy company.
- Eveready: A trusted battery manufacturer.
With his endorsement portfolio growing, Neeraj is rapidly becoming one of the highest-earning athletes in India, with expectations to expand his brand partnerships to 32–34 by the end of this year.
How endorsements are changing the game?
While cricket has long dominated the sports endorsement landscape in India, athletes from emerging sports are now taking center stage. Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and D. Gukesh, the 18-year-old chess prodigy, and the newest World Chess Champion, https://ascendants.in/top-stories/gukesh-brand-endorsement-potential/are not only bringing home medals but also driving significant shifts in India’s sports culture. Their growing endorsement deals reflect the rising market for non-cricket sports, showing how success on the global stage can lead to massive commercial opportunities.
Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and Gukesh: The new faces of India’s endorsement market
The impact of the Paris 2024 Olympics has been transformative for both Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker. Neeraj’s silver in javelin and his overall performance at the Games have added immense value to his brand. He is now poised to outpace even top cricketers in terms of brand valuation, making him the highest-valued non-cricketer among Indian athletes.
Manu Bhaker, India’s rising shooting star, has also seen a surge in her endorsement value. Following her performance at the Paris Olympics, where she won two bronze medals, Manu’s endorsement fee has skyrocketed, from ₹25 lakh per deal to ₹1.5 crore. The 22-year-old has caught the eye of over 40 brands, further strengthening her position as a future endorsement sensation.
Gukesh, though not at the Olympics, has also been a standout in his field. As one of the youngest chess grandmasters, Gukesh’s rise has captured the attention of both national and international brands. His achievements are helping elevate the visibility of chess as an emerging sport in India, proving that endorsement opportunities extend beyond traditional athletic disciplines.
Neeraj Chopra’s brand value growth
As per reports from financial advisory firm Kroll, Neeraj Chopra’s brand valuation is expected to rise from $29.6 million to over $40 million (approximately ₹330 crore). His success at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics has made him one of India’s top-earning athletes. With endorsements growing by the day, Chopra’s brand fee has also increased, expected to reach ₹4-4.1 crore annually by the end of the year. His growing portfolio, expected to expand to 32–34 brands, places him ahead of many in the industry, including cricketers like Hardik Pandya.
The role of endorsements in shaping sports culture
Endorsements are playing a pivotal role in transforming India’s sports culture. With athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and Gukesh at the forefront, India is witnessing a shift toward a more inclusive sports ecosystem, where athletes from emerging disciplines are garnering attention and respect. The rise of endorsements not only provides financial stability to athletes but also boosts the visibility of sports outside the cricketing world, inspiring a new generation of young sports enthusiasts.
As the endorsement market for emerging sports continues to grow, athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and Gukesh are proving that success in global sports competitions is closely linked to commercial opportunities. Their endorsement deals are setting new benchmarks in the industry, helping to build a thriving and diverse sports culture in India.
