Manu Bhaker really does tick all the boxes in regards to what advertisers look for when it comes to brand endorsements. She has the looks and the brains to match. The 22-year-old holds an Honours in Political Science from Delhi’s prestigious Lady Shri Ram’s College and is currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration at Punjab University.
Before dedicating herself to shooting, Manu dallied with boxing, inspired by London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom. She also engaged in tennis and kabaddi and trained in thang-ta, an Indian martial art, competing at the national level. She also has a more than casual interest in horse riding.
Add the wide range of hobbies Manu has to this mix, including music and reading, painting and sketching, dance and puzzle solving, and what we have is the complete package.
About the only thing lacking was national recognition due to the nature of her chosen sport, the 10m air pistol being super niche.
On Tuesday, she blew that aside while making history as the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics. Manu, alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh, earned Bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event. She had previously clinched Bronze in the women’s individual 10m Air Pistol event, becoming the first ever Indian woman shooter to secure an Olympic medal.
For iOS Sports & Entertainment, the agency managing Manu’s commercial interests, it is pay day for the now turned superstar shooter. Speaking to SportzPower in a wide ranging interview, iOS CEO Neerav Tomar said he is vetting enquiries from close to a dozen brands and expected to finalise at least 5-6 brand endorsement deals within the next week in categories that include aerated drinks, electronics, cosmetics, and nutrition.
“We’re aiming for deals worth Rs 1.5 crore per year,” Tomar said.
Currently, Bhaker is associated with Performax Activewear, a sports gear and fitness fashion brand.
Meanwhile, iOS is reportedly taking legal action against brands that have used Bhaker’s photos and videos in congratulatory ads without sponsoring her.
According to Economic Times, legal notices for infringing the athlete’s personality rights are set to be sent to brands that used photos or videos of the Indian Olympic medalist.
Brands such as Bajaj Foods, KapeeFit, LIC, FIITJEE, BSC Interiors, Oakwood International School, and Kineto, among others, took to social media to congratulate her on her win. However, none of these brands have previously sponsored or are associated with her in any way.
