Gatorade signs Neeraj Chopra as brand ambassador

New Delhi, November 1
In what could be a first for an Indian track and field athlete, junior world record holder javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was on Wednesday named as brand ambassador by sports drinks giant Gatorade in a partnership that runs up to 2021.
The 19-year-old is currently in the fold of JSW Sports and Gatorade India will have him work closely with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute during the period of the partnership to better understand his training and match day nutrition.
“The move is a reiteration of Gatorade India’s commitment to encourage upcoming athletes and partner with them on their athletic journey by helping them improve performance by delivering proper hydration and nutrition,” the company said in a release.
“Gatorade’s scientific formula has the right amount of carbohydrates, electrolytes and flavour that can help an athlete rehydrate, replenish and refuel while playing sports,” it said.
Commenting on the association, Neeraj said, “The upcoming events will be important milestones for my career and I am gearing up for it. The entire team at JSW Sports has been working hard, with support from the Sports Authority of India and the Athletics Federation of India, to ensure I am in the best possible shape for the games.
“This hard work is accompanied by long hours of practice, persistence and perspiration. Each day, my performance needs to be better than the previous day’s and I need to take every challenge head on. I am honoured to join the Gatorade family of athletes, which consists of sporting legends from across the world,” he added.
Neeraj burst on the scene when his gold medal effort in the 2016 IAAF World U-20 Championships saw him set the world junior record with a massive throw of 86.48m in Bydgoszcz, Poland.