India’s celebrated pistol shooter, Manu Bhaker, who recently secured two bronze medals at the Paris Olympic Games, is facing off-the-field challenges as several brands have used her images without permission while congratulating her achievements. According to a report, Bhaker’s team has issued legal notices to multiple brands, asserting that those not formally associated with the Indian shooter have no right to release congratulatory ads on social media featuring her.
Neerav Tomar, Managing Director of IOS Sports & Entertainment, which manages Bhaker, told Economic Times: “Almost two dozen brands not affiliated with Manu have released congratulatory ads on social media featuring her images. This constitutes unauthorised ‘moment marketing,’ and legal notices will be served to these brands.”
This issue isn’t unique to Bhaker; several other Indian athletes who competed in the Paris Games have faced similar problems with non-associated brands.
“Brands that do not sponsor our athletes cannot legally use their images in advertisements. If they do, we will take strict legal action,” stated a spokesperson from Baseline Ventures, the firm that represents boxer Nikhat Zareen and badminton players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.
Manu Bhaker Makes History In Paris Games
Bhaker’s performance in Paris has been nothing short of historic. She became the first athlete in post-independent India to win two individual medals in the same Olympics, a feat last achieved by British-Indian Norman Pritchard 124 years ago in the Paris edition of the Games, where he won silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles.
In addition to a bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event, Bhaker, alongside Sarabjot, clinched another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. The duo defeated the Korean pair of Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin 16-10, showcasing exceptional composure under pressure.
Bhaker’s triumphs in Paris have erased the bitter memories of her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, where a malfunctioning pistol left her in tears. Her recent successes have placed India in a joint 28th position with Moldova in the medals table.
Adding to the excitement, Bhaker remains a contender for another podium finish in the 25m sports pistol event, with qualifications set to take place on August 2.
As the legal battle unfolds, the focus remains on Bhaker’s remarkable journey and her continued pursuit of excellence at the Olympic Games.
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