Indian athletes have made significant strides on the international stage, earning fame and fortune in various sports disciplines. Their earnings come from multiple sources, including salaries, endorsements, prize money, and sponsorships. This article explores how much Indian athletes earn and the factors influencing their income.
Cricket: The Highest Earning Sport
Cricket is the most popular sport in India, and cricketers are among the highest-paid athletes in the country. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offers lucrative contracts to players, which are categorized into different grades:
- Grade A+: ₹7 crore annually
- Grade A: ₹5 crore annually
- Grade B: ₹3 crore annually
- Grade C: ₹1 crore annually
In addition to these contracts, cricketers earn substantial amounts from match fees, which vary for Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 matches. Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts are another significant source of income, with top players earning between ₹7 crore and ₹17 crore per season.
Prominent cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni also earn millions through endorsements and brand deals with companies like Puma, Nike, Pepsi, and many others. Kohli, for instance, is one of the highest-earning athletes globally, with annual earnings exceeding ₹100 crore from endorsements alone.
Badminton: Growing Popularity and Earnings
Badminton has seen a surge in popularity in India, thanks to stars like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. These athletes have not only brought glory to the country but have also earned significant incomes.
PV Sindhu, for example, earns around ₹5 crore annually from endorsements with brands like Bridgestone, JBL, and Panasonic. Her prize money from tournaments and government incentives further boost her income.
Wrestling: Rewards and Recognition
Wrestling is another sport where Indian athletes have excelled. Wrestlers like Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat earn substantial prize money from international competitions. Additionally, the Indian government and various state governments offer cash rewards and incentives for medal-winning performances in events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
For instance, an Olympic gold medalist can receive up to ₹75 lakh from the central government, along with additional rewards from their respective state governments and private organizations.
Boxing: Punching Above Their Weight
Indian boxers like Mary Kom and Vijender Singh have made a mark on the international boxing scene. Their earnings come from prize money, endorsements, and professional bouts. Mary Kom, a six-time world champion and Olympic medalist, earns significant sums from brand endorsements and government rewards.
Vijender Singh, who turned professional, has earned substantial amounts from his fights and endorsements with brands like Adidas and Bajaj Allianz.
Athletics: Rising Star Earnings
Athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Hima Das have brought significant recognition to Indian athletics. Neeraj Chopra, who won a gold medal in javelin at the Tokyo Olympics, received cash rewards totaling over ₹10 crore from various sources, including the central and state governments, private organizations, and sports associations. Endorsements and sponsorship deals further add to their earnings.
Football: Emerging Market
While football is not as lucrative as cricket in India, players in the Indian Super League (ISL) earn competitive salaries. Top Indian footballers like Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu earn between ₹1 crore and ₹1.5 crore annually from their club contracts. Endorsements and appearance fees add to their overall income.
Conclusion
The earnings of Indian athletes vary significantly based on the sport, performance, and marketability. Cricket remains the most lucrative sport, with players earning substantial amounts from contracts and endorsements. However, athletes from other sports are also making their mark and earning impressive incomes through their performances and sponsorship deals. As sports continue to grow in popularity and commercial value in India, the earnings of Indian athletes are expected to rise further.
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