Advertising agencies have for a long time fancied cricket and Bollywood stars for brand endorsements. Various agencies are now thinking beyond and considering other sport celebs for the same. After making his way into the semi-finals of the World Boxing Championship in Italy on September 10, the world number two boxer, Vijender Singh has became one of India’s highest paid non-cricket sport star.

Vijender has signed a multi-crore image contract with Percept Talent Management. Vijender is expected to take home around Rs 3 crore a year, as compared to Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh for two brand endorsements of Pepsi and Bajaj Allianz.

Sania Mirza tops the list of non-cricket sports star as she earns Rs 8 crore annually from her current six endorsements, which include GVK Industries, Sahara, Atlas Cycles, Tata Tea and Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh. Most of her endorsement contracts are bound to expire during this year, and are expected to pay her less due to her poor performance in the game, confirm the industry sources.Followed by Vijender are sports personalities like Saina Nehwal (badminton), Abhinav Bindra (shooting) and Pankaj Advani (billiards).

Advertisers feel it is the talent, age, appeal and the achievements of an individual that helps them zero down their choice, irrespective of cricket or non cricket background.