Manu Bhaker‘s shooting high has created ripples of excitement, as 40 brands chase her for endorsements worth crores. Her win at the Olympics changed her life and the history of Olympic sports for India, when she recently won two Olympic medals in Paris. In the past, Manu Bhaker has won gold medals at the World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Youth Olympic Games. At a very young age, Manu Bhaker emerged as the most successful Indian woman shooter in history.
First woman shooter to win medals at Olympics
Bhaker who made headlines by becoming the first woman shooter to win a medal with her bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event on Sunday, clinched another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh on Tuesday. Manu Bhaker earned the title of being the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting with a Bronze in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Endorsements worth crores for Manu Bhaker
The whole world is gushing over her achievements, including over 6 billion Indian people, and advertisers have been in an uproar trying to get her attention. At least forty of them are queuing up for the champion’s endorsements, skyrocketing these deals’ values from INR 20 lakhs to crores.
Sources state that each deal is worth at least INR1.5 crore per year. Her agency, iOS & Entertainment, is in the final stages of negotiations with about half a dozen brands in categories including aerated drinks, electronics, cosmetics, and nutrition. CEO Neerav Tomar said they will decide about the signing next week. Currently, Bhaker is associated with Performax Activewear, a sports gear and fitness fashion brand.
Shedding some light on Bhaker’s personality, he said, “She is a complete package- a wonderful personality; she’s calm and composed. We’re aiming for deals worth INR 1.5 crore per year.
When did shooting become an Olympic sport?
Shooting was first included in the Olympics at the 1900 Paris Games. During those games live pigeons were used as the targets for two shooting events, thus, making it the only time in history that animals were part of an Olympic event.
In 1912-1924 American Carl Osburn became the best Olympic sharpshooter. Today he is regarded as the record-holder for the highest number of medals at the Games, with 11 medals to his credit.
India’s first foray into the Olympic Games in 1900
India’s first experience at the Olympic Games was in 1900, with Norman Pritchard, a lone athlete who won two silver medals in athletics. This win made India the first Asian nation to win an Olympic medal.
Manu Bhaker’s journey to the Olympics
Manu Bhaker’s journey has been inspirational from the very start. When she was 14, on an impulse, she tried her hand at shooting. Today, her Olympic dream has come true. Her journey has emulated values of perseverance, consistency, hard work, and focus. In 2020, at the Tokyo Olympics, she failed to clinch a medal, but she continued to persist and focused 100% on her training, her eye on the goal until she was selected again for the Indian contingent.
Chairman of advertising agency Rediffusion, Sandeep Goyal said “Manu Bhaker is going to be surely approached by brands who claim to represent ‘a woman of substance.’ An Olympic medallist is a good brand ambassador to have. Being a sharpshooter also gives her an interesting dimension. And she is a head-turner too! All positive ingredients for a good endorsee.”
Manu Bhaker could be aiming for her third Olympic medal.
Sources confirmed that Manu Bhaker has qualified for 25m pistol find, securing the second position at Olympics. Speculation is on whether she will get her third Olympic medal.
