Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has solidified his status as a brand powerhouse, with his brand value estimated to be $30 million. This remarkable rise not only highlights his success but also signifies a significant shift in India's sports endorsement market, as non-cricket sports gain unprecedented ground.
Chopra's ascendant position is further solidified by around 20 iconic blue-chip brands in his portfolio, including global heavyweights such as Audi India, Visa, Tata AIA, Krafton, and Under Armour.
The list shows a conscious effort on the part of JSW Sports, who manage Chopra's endorsement deals, to align him with brands that truly resonate with his personality and value system and not just be a case of volume alone. For example, his recent association with Audi India is considered a natural step and aligns with his genuine passion for cars.
The javelin great's rising gravitas coincides with the period when India's sports marketing and sponsorship environment is shifting away from its usual cricket-obsessed scenario. A Kroll study puts Chopra's brand value at $30 million, ranking him just below the country's top cricketers.
This is reflected in the overall market, where new sports contributed as much as a massive 14% of India's ₹1,224 crore sports endorsement market in 2024, a massive 46% increase.
Experts put the dramatic rise largely down to the increasing visibility of stars such as Chopra, as well as badminton sensation PV Sindhu and shooting star Manu Bhaker.
To his business leverage, Chopra has just won a victory at the 2025 Paris Diamond League and has launched India's first international javelin event, the ‘Neeraj Chopra Classic.’ It was hosted in Bengaluru on July 5 and drew big sponsors like Visa, Audi India, further cementing Chopra as a marketable figure.
This events management firm, founded by a famous athlete, stands as a potential game-changer for Indian sports promotion, thereby aiming for a more diversified sporting scenario.
Foreign promoters generally did not consider non-cricket sports worthy of investment. Therefore, there was a serious dearth of marketing potential for other sports in India. Neeraj Chopra's unwavering focus, humility, and consistent international performance have solidified his status as a national icon.
This rise has significantly impacted the endorsement landscape, prompting a gradual democratization of India's sports culture. As a result, the commercial focus is slowly but surely broadening beyond cricket.