Paris Olympics 2024: Manu Bhaker has been a trailblazer in Indian shooting. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting when she clinched a bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics. What’s even more remarkable is that she won two bronze medals in the same Olympics, making her the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics since India’s independence.
With two Olympic bronze medals in as many days, shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has reportedly seen a 100% increase in endorsement inquiries.
According to a report by Moneycontrol, Manu Bhaker’s remarkable achievements have made her a highly sought-after brand endorsement candidate.
“We are getting a lot of queries which started yesterday and now these enquiries have doubled. We had a dozen enquiries till noon (of July 30 when Bhaker, along with Sarabjot Singh, won their bronze medals in 10m air pistol shooting event). The enquiries increased to 18-20 by evening of the same day,” Neerav Tomar, MD of talent management agency IOS Sports and Entertainment, which manages Bhaker’s portfolio, told Moneycontrol.
From endorsing one brand currently, the shooting star is expected to add to her endorsement portfolio a dozen more brands, Tomar said.
“She endorses Performax, an athleisure brand. We are looking at signing at least a dozen brands which will include endorsement as well as digital deals,” he told Moneycontrol.
Tomar said that with a brand value of Rs 1.5 crore, a lot could change with another significant event, for which they are keeping their fingers crossed. He is also looking to secure digital deals, with the charge for a single activation being around Rs 30 lakh, the report added.
“There is another event which is the women’s 25m pistol event that is slated to commence on Friday. This is her another big event. If she performs better there then her brand value can change further,” he added.
Which Brands Are Approaching?
Brands in categories such as aerated drinks, skincare, and nutrition are approaching Bhaker.
The report added that new categories like dairy and organic farming are also showing interest.
Many brands are looking to establish long-term partnerships, while others aim to capitalise on the current buzz with moment marketing.
For long-term deals, the agency is considering a minimum duration of two years and encouraging brands to support her journey to the next Olympics, as she is only 22 and has a promising future ahead.
Unauthorised Olympic Celebratory Ads
IOS Sports & Entertainment is reportedly taking legal action against brands that have used Bhaker’s photos and videos in congratulatory ads without sponsoring her.
Legal notices for infringing the athlete’s personality rights are set to be sent to brands that used photos or videos of the Indian Olympic medalist.
