Saina signs two-year deal with IOS

World No.1 shuttler Saina Nehwal on Thursday signed an exclusive management contract with leading management and marketing company IOS Sports and Entertainment for a period of two years.

IOS is targeting around Rs.25 crore over two years, depending upon her performance in the 2016 Rio Olympics and her stability in the rankings. The announcement comes just after Saina won a silver medal at the World Championship in Jakarta on Sunday.

Hereon, IOS will manage the Olympic bronze medallist's endorsements, appearances, brand profiling, patents, licensing and digital rights, images, visibility on social networking sites.

"I have been performing well in the international circuit but at the same time I was looking for a sports management group that could manage my overall brand portfolio and logistics plus commercial activities in the best professional way," said the 25-year-old.

"I am really convinced in the manner in which IOS has built M.C. Mary Kom a big brand in the industry and that was the major reason I decided to join hands with IOS. I am confident that IOS, a company that is in the best possible position to help me achieve my business goals and maximise the value of my brand."

Welcoming Saina, IOS managing director Neerav Tomar said: "I would like to congratulate Saina for making the nation proud by winning the historic silver at the World Championships and regaining the World No.1 spot. We are pleased to welcome another top women sportsperson of the world into the IOS family."

Cricketer Suresh Raina, and Olympic medallists Mary Kom, Sushil Kumar and Vijender Singh are also managed by IOS.