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Manu Bhaker, a name synonymous with excellence in Indian shooting, is witnessing a remarkable surge in popularity and commercial value. Known as the face of India's shooting contingent for several years, Bhaker has added two more bronze medals to her impressive collection, one in the 10m air pistol individual event and another in the mixed team event. She is also on the brink of clinching a third medal in the 25m air pistol event.
Manu Bhaker, a name synonymous with excellence in Indian shooting, is witnessing a remarkable surge in popularity and commercial value. Known as the face of India’s shooting contingent for several years, Bhaker has added two more bronze medals to her impressive collection, one in the 10m air pistol individual event and another in the mixed team event. She is also on the brink of clinching a third medal in the 25m air pistol event. This success has not gone unnoticed, as a recent report reveals that Bhaker has been approached by around 40 brands for endorsement deals.
Despite her burgeoning fame, Manu remains focused on her ultimate goal: the Paris Olympic Games. However, her agency, IOS Sports & Entertainment, has already sealed a couple of endorsement deals worth crores. Neerav Tomar, CEO and MD of IOS Sports & Entertainment, disclosed to the Times of India, “We have received about 40 inquiries in the last 2-3 days alone. Currently, we are focusing on long-term association deals and have closed a couple of endorsements.”
Previously, Manu charged a fee of INR 20-25 lakh for each endorsement. However, her brand value has seen a staggering increase, with her charges now reportedly rising six to seven times. “Her brand value has jumped five to six folds,” Tomar explained. “What used to be in the vicinity of Rs 20-25 lakhs is now around Rs 1.5 crore for one deal of endorsements. This is a one-year engagement for a brand category with exclusivity.”
While long-term endorsements remain the primary focus for Manu’s team, they are also considering several short-term digital engagement deals. Tomar added, “There are a lot of digital-engagement queries for shorter terms—1 month, 3 months. But our focus is on long-term deals.”
Bhaker’s achievements are even more significant in the context of Indian sports. Tomar highlighted the difference between medals won at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games versus the Olympics. “At the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, we get a lot of medals in shooting, but it just fizzles out. In the Olympics, you stand out, and with two medals, you completely outshine.”
From the disappointment of the Tokyo Olympics, Manu Bhaker has bounced back, charting a path to becoming a national sporting brand. Her journey mirrors that of Neeraj Chopra, whose gold medal in the last Olympic Games transformed him into an iconic figure in Indian sports. With her rising star power and the influx of endorsement opportunities, Manu Bhaker is well on her way to achieving similar legendary status.
