In 2024, PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist and former world champion, has cemented her status as not only a legendary badminton player but also one of the wealthiest female athletes globally. She is the only Indian featured in Forbes’ list of the highest-paid female athletes, earning an impressive $7.1 million. Let’s delve into the sources of her fortune and the milestones in her remarkable career.
PV Sindhu’s Journey in Badminton and Earnings
Ranked 17th among the highest-paid female athletes in 2024, Sindhu’s earnings are a blend of prize money and endorsement deals. According to Forbes, her on-court performance garnered around $85,000, while her endorsements contributed a staggering $7 million. Sindhu’s consistent success, including an Olympic silver in Rio 2016, a bronze in Tokyo 2020, and a World Championship title in 2019, has kept her in the limelight.
Her fame extends off the court as well, with over 4 million Instagram followers making her a sought-after brand ambassador.
Sources of PV Sindhu’s Wealth
1. Badminton Prize Money
While badminton may not offer as high prize money as some other sports, Sindhu’s victories in prestigious tournaments have brought significant financial rewards. Her Olympic and World Championship wins have been particularly lucrative:
- Olympics and World Championships: After her success at the Rio Olympics, Sindhu received Rs 13 crore (approximately $1.5 million) in cash awards from the Indian government and various organizations. Her 2019 World Championship title added further to her prize earnings.
- Recent Tournaments: Most recently, Sindhu’s victory at the Syed Modi International earned her $15,750. While modest compared to other sports, such earnings contribute to her growing fortune.
2. Endorsements and Sponsorships
Sindhu’s popularity has led to numerous endorsement deals, significantly boosting her income. She is among India’s top endorsers, associated with brands like Asian Paints, Maybelline, Bank of Baroda, and Bridgestone India.
- Endorsement Fees: Sindhu’s fees range from Rs 1.2 crore (approximately $140,400) to Rs 2.25 crore (approximately $263,250) per deal. Her broad appeal makes her a top choice for companies targeting diverse audiences.
- High-Profile Deals: In 2019, Sindhu signed a landmark Rs 50 crore (approximately $5,850,000) deal with Chinese sports equipment giant Li Ning. Such endorsements form the majority of her earnings, far surpassing her prize money from badminton.
3. Investments
Beyond badminton and endorsements, Sindhu has diversified her income through strategic investments:
- Wellness Brand: In 2024, Sindhu invested in and became a brand ambassador for Hoop, a wellness startup based in Gurugram.
- Other Ventures: She holds stakes in Greenday’s FMCG brand Better Nutrition and Azad Engineering, a company specializing in aerospace manufacturing. These ventures secure her financial future beyond her playing career.
The Gender Pay Gap in Sports
While Sindhu’s earnings highlight the growing prominence of female athletes, the gender pay gap remains a significant issue. For example, Coco Gauff (tennis), the top female earner in 2024, made $34.4 million, with $25 million coming from endorsements. In stark contrast, the combined earnings of the top 20 female athletes totaled $258 million, compared to the $2.23 billion earned by the top 20 male athletes. This disparity underscores the need for greater equity in the sports industry.
Photo: BWF
