India has produced some of the richest and most successful sports personalities in recent years. With improved infrastructure, training facilities, endorsements and global exposure, Indian athletes are achieving new heights and earning fortunes previously unheard of.
Here is a look at the top 10 richest sports personalities in India as of 2023:
Virat Kohli – Net Worth: ₹1040 Cr
Virat Kohli is by far the richest cricketer in India and one of the highest-paid athletes globally. As captain of the Indian cricket team and a prolific batsman, Kohli earns big bucks from match fees, endorsements and brand promotions. He has an estimated net worth of ₹1040 crore.
Some of Kohli’s major endorsements include Audi, Puma, Uber, Hero MotoCorp and several others. His success on the field and popularity off it make him very sought after.
Sania Mirza – Net Worth: ₹206 Cr
One of India’s most famous tennis players, Sania Mirza has won titles globally and made India proud. She was once ranked no. 1 in women’s doubles.
Even after her retirement in 2022, Sania Mirza continues to be one of the richest female athletes in India, with assets over ₹200 crore. A chunk of her earnings comes from brand endorsements like Adidas, Elan, Gatorade and others.
PV Sindhu – Net Worth: ₹64 Cr
PV Sindhu created history by becoming the first-ever Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal when she clinched silver at Rio 2016. The ace shuttler went on to win the World Championships gold in 2019.
Her on-court heroics combined with her youthful charm make Sindhu a favourite for endorsements. Some brands associated with her are Bridgestone, Nokia, Panasonic and more. She has built personal assets worth ₹64 crore.
Neeraj Chopra – Net Worth: ₹35 Cr
Neeraj Chopra became a household name after winning a historic gold medal for India in Javelin Throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. It was India’s first gold in athletics at the Olympics.
The young athlete’s net worth zoomed after the triumph. Neeraj Chopra charges around ₹1 crore per endorsement deal. Some brands associated with him are Cred, Byju’s, Volini and more. His total net worth is estimated to be ₹35 crore.
Vijender Singh – Net Worth: ₹29 Cr
Vijender Singh is an Indian professional boxer who has made his country proud by winning medals at the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Vijender bagged the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics – a first for Indian boxing. Currently, he competes in the professional circuit. Brands like Reebok, Thums Up and Flipkart have signed him up for promotion deals. His total assets are valued at ₹29 crore.
Pradeep Narwal – Net Worth: ₹20 Cr
Pradeep Narwal is a talented Kabaddi player who currently features for the Bengal Warriors team in the Pro Kabaddi League. The all-rounder was part of the India national kabaddi team that won gold at the 2018 Asian Games.
Still in his early 20s, Pradeep already has a net worth estimated to be around ₹20 crore. His youth, skills and star appeal make him a popular face for brands like Thums Up, Vimal Pan Masala and others seeking promotion.
Bajrang Punia – Net Worth: ₹15 Cr
Bajrang Punia is one of India’s top wrestlers, having won multiple medals at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. The most memorable was his bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Bajrang’s net worth currently stands at approximately ₹15 crore and counting. Some brands associated with this ace wrestler are Amul Macho, Gulf Oil and Hero Cycles. His fame and following among India’s youth give him great earning potential.
Sunil Chhetri – Net Worth: ₹8 Cr
Sunil Chhetri is the talismanic captain of the Indian football team and also plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. He is the highest goal-scorer in the national team’s history.
Though football’s popularity lags cricket in India, Sunil Chhetri is the face of the sport. He has lucrative deals with brands like PUMA, Coca-Cola and Hero MotoCorp. Chhetri’s net worth is valued at around ₹8 crore.
Hima Das – Net Worth: ₹7 Cr
Hima Das shot to fame after winning a gold medal in 400m sprint at the 2018 World U20 Championships. Nicknamed the Dhing Express, she became the first Indian sprinter to win a global title.
Hima has signed endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Tata Motors and Godrej. She already has assets estimated at ₹7 crore, which are likely to grow in the future.
Manika Batra – Net Worth: ₹4 Cr
Manika Batra is India’s number one table tennis player and the first to win a singles gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She achieved the feat in 2018.
Representing India globally in a niche sport has helped Manika gain sponsors like RACOLD and Gatorade. She is also employed with Indian Oil. Her net worth is estimated to be around ₹4 crore.
This list highlights how Indian sports stars are now serious contenders for the tags of richest athletes and brand ambassadors. As they achieve more on the global stage, greater fame and fortunes await them. But money alone does not drive these dedicated and patriotic sports personalities representing India.
