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Advertising and sports have always formed a powerful alliance, and Indian sports stars have time and again captured hearts with their charisma and talent in iconic ad campaigns. These ads have transcended time, becoming an integral part of the nation’s pop culture. Join us on a nostalgic journey through some of the most unforgettable ads featuring Indian athletes that continue to inspire and resonate with the masses.
Most Memorable Sports Advertisements (Ads) of Indian Athletes
| Indian Sportsperson | Their Popular Sports Advertisements (Ads) |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Boost |
| Kapil Dev | Palmolive Shaving Cream |
| Shubman Gill | Gillete |
| Milkha Singh | Zandu Kesari Jeevan |
| Viswanathan Anand | Subway |
| Mary Kom | Tata Salt |
| Rahul Dravid | Cred |
| Virat Kohli | Manyavar |
| PV Sindhu | Gatorade |
| MS Dhoni | Pepsi |
Sachin Tendulkar – Boost
“Boost is the secret of my energy” – the catchphrase that reverberated through homes across India, thanks to the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. His association with Boost, the energy drink, motivated countless young cricket enthusiasts to pursue their dreams with boundless energy, just like the “Little Master” did on the field.
Kapil Dev – Palmolive Shaving Cream
In the 1980s, Kapil Dev’s dynamic personality and all-round cricketing prowess made him the perfect fit for endorsing Palmolive Shaving Cream. His iconic dialogue, “Palmolive, ah!” became a household phrase and a symbol of the brand’s success.
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Shubman Gill – Gillete
Gill was appointed a brand ambassador for the Gillette brand by Procter & Gamble India in September 2021. The collaboration began with Gill participating in media promotions for the 20th anniversary of Gillette’s MACH3 Razor.
Milkha Singh – Zandu Kesari Jeevan
“The Flying Sikh” Milkha Singh’s story of resilience and determination was flawlessly portrayed in his Zandu ad. The ad highlighted how the energy drink could fuel the aspirations of budding athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Viswanathan Anand – Subway
Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand’s endorsement of Subway showed a humorous side of the Chess Maestro. This ad soon became famous on social media and gained massive popularity among the fans.
Mary Kom – Tata Salt
The indomitable spirit of Olympic boxer Mary Kom was captured beautifully in her Tata Salt advertisement. Her achievements symbolized the importance of even the smallest pinch of salt, much like how she inspired the nation.
Rahul Dravid – Cred
Fondly remembered as “The Wall” of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid showcased his witty side in the popular Cred ad campaign. In this ad, Dravid was seen standing in his car breaking other cars with a cricket bat. He also said the line “Mein Indiranagar ka gunda hun” (I am the Don of Indiranagar). His humorous take on being thanked excessively left fans in splits and solidified his reputation as a reliable ambassador for the brand.
Virat Kohli- Manyavar
In the iconic Manyavar ad featuring Virat Kohli, the Indian former cricket captain is seen showcasing his elegance and charm as he dons traditional ethnic wear from the brand. The ad captures the essence of grace and regality, with Kohli’s charismatic presence adding a touch of modernity to the traditional attire. His association with Manyavar has struck a chord with audiences, making the ad a memorable celebration of Indian culture and fashion.
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PV Sindhu – Gatorade
Badminton star PV Sindhu’s association with Gatorade celebrated the spirit of pushing one’s limits to achieve greatness. The ad showcased her rigorous training and dedication, motivating athletes to persevere and stay hydrated.
M.S. Dhoni – Pepsi
The cool and composed M.S. Dhoni’s iconic Pepsi ad showed him pondering the road not taken, emphasizing the importance of following one’s passion. It struck a chord with the youth, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness.
Conclusion
These iconic ads featuring Indian sportsmen have not only promoted brands but also ignited inspiration and admiration among millions. They have become a significant part of the nation’s collective memory and serve as a reminder of the values that these sports icons represent. As we eagerly await more iconic campaigns in the future, the legacy of these ads and the sportsmen behind them will continue to inspire generations to come.
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