NEW DELHI: The Indian arm of German sportswear giant adidas announced here Tuesday the appointment of India’s teenage track sensation Hima Das as its new brand ambassador.
adidas is Das’s first endorsement deal.
While financial terms were not disclosed, Mint reports Das’s annual endorsement fee as between Rs 1-1.5 million, along with racing and training brand merchandise.
Das, who is managed by IOS Sports and Entertainment, shot into the limelight after becoming the first ever Indian athlete to win a Gold medal in track at a world level meet.
The 18-year-old Assamese won Gold in the women’s 400m at the World Under-20 Championships in Finland, following up that stellar performance with a Silver medal at the recently concluded Asian Games in Indonesia.
“Hima is the biggest track and field athlete in India today. She was, in fact, wearing Adidas sprint spike shoes when she won the gold medal in Finland and we realised it was a great opportunity for us to join forces with her. Her amazing personality, perseverance and the drive to succeed embodies what Adidas stands for,” Mint quotes Sean Van Wyk, senior marketing director, adidas India, as having said at an event to announce her signing.
“We will also be leveraging her presence in all our global campaigns across mediums which should be launched by the end of the year,” added Wyk.
IOS, which manages Das’s brand endorsements and off-field engagements, stated: “We are happy to announce the first brand association of our talent ‘Dhing Express’ Hima Das with adidas.”
The sports management agency told the financial daily that the young athlete is currently in talks with 10 to 12 brands across categories, including energy drinks and banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI).
