India’s Top-Earning Female Athlete

India’s Top-Earning Female Athlete: P.V. Sindhu

While cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya are widely recognized for their substantial wealth, the title of India’s highest-paid female athlete doesn’t belong to a cricketer. Despite cricket’s dominance in the country, the individual holding this prestigious position has excelled in a different sport and achieved significant success in international competitions, including the Olympics. Contrary to popular guesses such as Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, or Mary Kom, the coveted title goes to P.V. Sindhu, according to Forbes.

P.V. Sindhu, hailing from Hyderabad, gained prominence in badminton from an early age, starting her journey in the sport at eight. The pinnacle of her career came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where, at the age of 22, she secured a historic silver medal. Recognizing her remarkable contributions to badminton, Sindhu has received prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri Award in 2016 and the Padma Bhushan in 2020, among others.

Forbes’ list of Highest-Paid Female Athletes in various years highlights Sindhu’s financial success. With earnings of $8.5 million (approximately Rs 70 crore) in 2018, $5.5 million (approximately Rs 45 crore) in 2019, $7.2 million (approximately Rs 59.8 crore) in 2021, $7.1 million (approximately Rs 59 crore) in 2022, and $7.1 million (approximately Rs 59 crore) in 2023, Sindhu consistently ranks among the top earners in the global sporting arena.

Beyond her achievements on the court, Sindhu has secured lucrative sponsorships from renowned brands such as Bank of Baroda, Li-Ning, Spinny, Asian Paints, Bridgestone, Johnson & Johnson, and L’Oréal. Her financial portfolio also includes income from brand endorsements, social media promotions, and strategic investments in real estate. Alongside her sporting prowess, Sindhu’s financial success exemplifies her multifaceted impact and prominence in the world of sports.

_{Repurposed article originally published in GQ India}