Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events, has seen a significant surge in her popularity. With another potential medal in the 25m air pistol event, she has attracted attention from approximately 40 brands for endorsements.
Previously charging INR 20-25 lakh per endorsement, Bhaker’s fees have now increased dramatically, with some deals reaching up to INR 1.5 crore. Her agency, IOS Sports & Entertainment, has already secured several high-value endorsements.
IOS Sports & Entertainment CEO and MD Neerav Tomar stated, “We have received about 40 inquiries in the last 2 to 3 days. Our current focus is on long-term association deals, and we have closed a couple of endorsements.”
Tomar elaborated on Bhaker’s increased brand value, noting, “Her brand value has jumped five to six folds. Endorsements that previously ranged around Rs 20-25 lakh now command about Rs 1.5 crore for a one-year engagement with exclusivity.”
While the emphasis remains on long-term deals, Bhaker’s team is also considering short-term digital engagements, ranging from one to three months.
Tomar added, “At the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, shooting earns many medals, but the impact fades. However, in the Olympics, securing medals makes athletes stand out, and with two medals, Manu has significantly outshone others.”
From the disappointment of the Tokyo Olympics, Manu Bhaker is on the path to becoming a national sports icon, akin to Neeraj Chopra, whose Olympic gold medal catapulted him to fame.
