MUMBAI: Neeraj Chopra, India’s junior world record holder for javelin, has been named as brand ambassador for PepsiCo’s sports drink Gatorade, in a partnership that runs up to 2021.
The JSW Sports athlete has in effect become the first Indian track and field sportsperson to ink a deal with the sports drink major. 19-year-old Chopra is part of the JSW Sports fold and Gatorade India will have him work closely with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute during the period of the partnership, to better understand his training and match day nutrition, says the company.
Neeraj burst on the scene when his Gold medal effort in the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships saw him set the world junior record at a massive 86.48 meters, in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Ever since then, he has turned up with consistent performances while competing against the best in the world at the senior level.
Commenting on the association, Chopra said, “The upcoming events will be important milestones for my career and I am gearing up for it. The entire team at JSW Sports has been working hard, with support from the Sports Authority of India and the Athletics Federation of India, to ensure I am in the best possible shape for the games. This hard work is accompanied by long hours of practice, persistence and perspiration. Each day, my performance needs to be better than the previous day’s and I need to take every challenge head on. I am honored to join the Gatorade family of athletes, which consists of sporting legends from across the world.”
Announcing this collaboration, Vipul Prakash, senior vice president – Beverage Category, PepsiCo India said, “We are delighted to welcome Neeraj Chopra into the PepsiCo India family. We believe that Gatorade is the perfect fuel for him as he embarks on his journey towards gold. Gatorade is a scientifically formulated sports drink that provides the right hydration and fueling during a strenuous game or a training session. Neeraj’s never-give-up attitude and determination personify Gatorade’s spirit and we are extremely proud to partner with him.”
JSW Sports CEO Mustafa Ghouse said the association was testament to Neeraj’s potential. “We have been working closely with Neeraj for some time now and to say that he is tremendously talented and hardworking, is an understatement. This association with Gatorade has happened at a perfect time and it’s one that aligns with our effort of making him the best.”
