Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Anju Bobby George may be battling the worst form of her career but, as she gears up for the World Athletics Championships here, the omens look good. A lucrative deal with Nike, a first for an Indian athlete, and her picture larger than life at the Athletes’ Village should cheer her up for her event on Wednesday.
The poster is part of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s drive to crack down on illegal substances. Anju is the only Indian athlete to hold a WADA passport, which — as the legend on the poster says — means she’s seen as an example of a true sportsman.
Maybe that’s what Nike saw, too, in the deal the sportswear major has signed with her, to promote its products until December 2006. It’s the first major deal by a non-cricketer with a top sportswear company, and was signed when she was in London last month.
Though Anju is bound to confidentiality by the contract, she said she was entitled to a ‘‘handsome salary’’ and bonuses throughout the period, and spikes and other equipment too.
‘‘It’s something very important to me so obviously I’m happy about the deal’’, Anju told The Sunday Express. ‘‘It’s significant because the price of spikes and other equipment is high these days so it’s a big help that Nike will supply me everything until next year-end.’’
The bonuses will depend on her performance on the international stage. The increase in bonuses will, however, largely depend on her medal-winning ability at various Grand Prix events.
The deal is, obviously, skewered to her performances in Western events. Anju said she was not entitled to any bonuses for her performance in the Asian meets, including the Asian Games at Doha next year. ‘‘The deal is very specific about where I can get what. Essentially, I have to do well at all the Grand Prix meets and European events, including the Golden League series.’’
