After much debate over the BWF ranking structure, it was confirmed today that PV Sindhu will in all likelihood will climb to a career-high position of 2 on April 6. A dramatic India Open victory against Rio Olympic final opponent Carolina Marin enhanced the existent ‘revenge’ narrative across the country. This particular victory is also set to help Sindhu and her commercial team an increase in endorsement deal in the near future.
A source close to Sindhu’s representatives said, “We cannot completely reveal how many brands want to tie-up with us, but the number is in the hundreds. However, as her representatives, we have to keep in mind her personality and willingness to endorse certain range of products.
“We thought the upsurge would actually be during the Olympics. However, the India Open victory has taken several meetings to an advanced stage of execution. We could see her endorsing double the number of brands by the end of 2017, which will amount to somewhere around 16-17.”
The 21-year old is currently eight major brands including Bank of Baroda, where she replaced Rahul Dravid as the ambassador. Other brands include products such as Gatorade, which has only been associated with the shuttler in India.
Our source added, “You have to remember that she didn’t directly replace Rahul Dravid, she came in after one year. But, the fact that we can put her in the same bracket is a testament to how much she is revered in this country.”
In fact, Business Standard data indicates that Sindhu earns Rs 2 crore per brand, making her earning Rs 40 lakhs a day, ahead of established cricketers such as Ravindra Jadeja who rake in Rs 31 lakhs a day. Such high earnings has made Sindhu the highest earning female athlete in India, ahead of Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal.
Our source added, “The number should increase too much higher next year, where we could be targeting as much as Rs 80 lakhs a day.”
If the financial prediction does come true, then Sindhu would be ahead of the likes of national team opener Rohit Sharma. Our source said, “It’s quite baffling to see the rise of Sindhu especially in 2016/17, because the numbers she’s raking in can only be compared to top notch Bollywood actresses.
“She has truly broken and smashed the gender divide in terms of endorsement and also given the entire market a new facet to work around.”
With several higher mountains to scale in 2017, Sindhu’s victories might just see an Indian female athlete rise to the top three list for the very first time in India.
