Gatorade joins hands with Sumit Nagal after Indian tennis star's shock confession of financial issues

India's top-ranked men's singles tennis player, Sumit Nagal recently made it to the headlines when he confessed that he is not living a good life because of his financial issues. On coming across this news, Gatorade® has joined hands with Sumit for a 3-year association.

Earlier, Nagal in his statement, has gone on to say that he has only 900 euros remaining in his bank account. This came as a surprise for many as Nagal is the country's top tennis player.

Nagal told PTI in an interview, "If I look at my bank balance, I have what I had at the beginning of the year. It is 900 euros (approx Rs 80,000). I did get a bit of help. Mr Prashant Sutar is helping me with MAHA Tennis Foundation and I also get monthly (salary) from IOCL but I don't have any big sponsor."

Gatorade® has always been supportive of athletes around the world and believes that Nagal is a role model and has made a career based on hard work. Nagal will also receive support for his recovery and nutritional requirements from a team of specialists at the Gatorade® Sports Science Institute (GSSI).

Ankit Agarwal, the Associate Director, Energy & Hydration at PepsiCo, said, "Gatorade has always believed in supporting sportspeople to achieve peak performance. Sumit is a role model for the new-gen athletes of India with his career being a true example of hard work and sweat that makes talent shine."

He further added, "As a brand that is dedicated to supporting athletes in removing barriers to sporting success, we are delighted to welcome Sumit to the Gatorade squad. We wish him the best as he represents the nation, and we hope to empower the next generation of athletes with this association as they continue to pursue their dreams."

Sumit Ngal on his association with the company said, "I am deeply moved and grateful to join hands with Gatorade. This association comes to me at a pivotal time, and I am thankful my hard work and passion is getting recognized and appreciated. With Gatorade by my side, I am sure I will reach new heights and give it my all both on and off the court."

Sumit Nagal will be playing in the coming Asian Games and will be the only men's tennis player, representing India in the singles category.