Mary Kom and MS Dhoni among most marketable athletes in the world

UK based Sports Pro magazine has rated Dhoni and Mary Kom, 16^th and 38^th respectively at their marketability. Out of a total of 50 athletes, Mary and Dhoni secured their spots on the list after editors looked at their charisma, willingness to be marketed, crossover appeal, age, home market and value for money.

Dhoni is considered to be one of the world’s best paid cricketers. This is hardly surprising as he has proven himself a number of times on the field. His moment of fame came when he managed to steer the Indian team to a world cup victory last year. With 20 brand endorsements in his bag and with leadership skills that shine, Dhoni is first sign of a legend to be. Mary Kom however, is already a legend, since she is the only Indian boxer to have won the world champion five times. With a host of other records, and the fact that she had to face a number of social and monetary challenges to pursue her passion makes her life sound like a fairy tale.

The fact that she is a mother of two and her down-to-earth and humble nature means that she has a unique cult status. If she comes back with gold this year, she will bag a vast number of endorsements.  

-         IOS Sports and Entertainment.