MUMBAI: As India awaits Neeraj Chopra's defence of his Asian Games gold at Hangzhou, there is complete appreciation of the distance he has travelled from being the rising javelin star of Jakarta 2018. His Olympic gold at Tokyo and World Championships title mean India's track & field athletes finally have feats beyond PT Usha's missed bronze of Los Angeles 1984 to look up to. His charm, athletic build and honest-to-goodness persona have made Chopra, 25, the pole star among Indian athletes at Hangzhou.
Ahead of his medal event, Chopra's Instagram handle announces his newest brand association with smartwatch makers Noise, who have Virat Kohli as their other brand ambassador. In between India's medal rush at the Games, Chopra shows up in TV commercials, dripping sweat while promoting the upcoming cricket World Cup for Coca Cola's energy drink Limca Sportz.
After his golden 87.58 meters throw at Tokyo, Chopra's Instagram following has leapfrogged to 7.1 million from 143K. His brand endorsement portfolio has seen a 10x jump with more than 16 brands from Under Armour, YouTube, Tata AIA to Gillette inking deals.
"The fundamental reality about Olympic athletes in India is their biggest jump in market value comes with an Olympic medal.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Dhanush threatens bigger lawsuit in response to Nayanthara's open letter
Actor-producer Dhanush has responded to actor Nayanthara's open letter against him, threatening a bigger lawsuit if she doesn't take down the three-second footage of the Tamil film, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), which has been used in her OTT documentary.
Shazahn gets engaged to partner, says 'Can't wait to start forever with you'
Actor Shazahn Padamsee, who debuted opposite actor Ranbir Kapoor in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2010), has got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, businessman Ashish Kanakia.
Timeless grace of Rekha
Celebrity fashion designer Manisha Malhotra, who was behind Rekha's recent look - reminiscent of the actor's iconic Khoon Bhari Maang took to (1988) hairdos Instagram to express his admiration for the actor.
AN ENCHANTING EVENING IN DELHI
How often do we witness forests coming to life? A recent solo exhibition titled Enchanted Forests by artist Kavita Chopra Dikshit and curated by Jyota A Kathpalia allowed visitors to experience the same in the Capital.
Govinda cuts short Maharashtra election campaign citing ill health
Actor-turned-politician Govinda cut short his poll campaigning in Jalgaon and returned to Mumbai on Saturday, citing ill health.
‘The industry taught me patience’
Having recently completed six years in Hindi cinema, Mouni Roy says that the industry has taught her \"patience and perseverance\".
BAHAR KA KALAKAAR JO MARZI KARE: DILJIT ON RECEIVING GOVT NOTICE
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh criticised the Telangana government after he was served a notice ahead of his Hyderabad concert, which was held on November 15.
Coach who guided Comaneci to her Perfect 10 dies aged 82
Famed Olympic gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, who coached Nadia Comaneci to the sport's first \"Perfect 10\", has died at the age of 82, USA Gymnastics said on Saturday.
Deepika's brace floors Japan
Deepika converts two penalty corners in a 3-0 win for the round robin toppers; India to face Japan again in Tuesday's semi-final
Netherlands enter Nations League quarters; Germany hit record seven
Netherlands outclassed Hungary with a 4-0 victory in their winner-takes-all Nations League encounter on Saturday while record-setting Germany hammered Bosnia and Hercegovina 7-0.
