MAM
Fila signs Rs 80 mn endorsement deal with Sehwag
MUMBAI: Italian sports lifestyle brand Fila has appointed ace cricketer Virender Sehwag as its brand ambassador as it plans to increase its footprint across the Indian subcontinent.
Sources say that the three-year deal is valued at Rs 80 million working out to roughly Rs 25 million per year. The payment includes endorsement fee as well as bonuses.
The deal belies fears that the value of cricketers have dwindled following humiliating losses in two back to back overseas series in England and Australia.
Virender Sehwag will be Fila’s brand ambassador across all categories of Footwear, Apparel & Accessories. Fila aims to strengthen their brand recall and further enhance their presence in India with this strategic appointment.
The dashing cricketer will be a part of Fila’s marketing communication strategy across print campaigns, radio ads, television commercials, in store branding and online.
Fila internationally has been associated in the past with various Sports stars like Michael Schumacher, Boris Becker and Björn Borg.
Commenting on the association Fila India CEO Rajiv Bajaj said, “Cricket is one of the most widely followed sports in India, so when we decided to appoint a Brand Ambassador, a Cricketer was the obvious choice. We chose Virender since he personifies our brands core values and we recognized the great synergy between him and our brand. Virender also holds a World record and has a huge fan following amongst the youth, which is our primary target group.
“We have ambitious growth plans and are sure that our association will take us to greater heights that we aim to achieve. We are confident that Fila will tremendously benefit from this relationship.”
Fila currently has a presence in over 1,800 outlets along with 35 exclusive Stores in India across High Streets & Malls. The company plans to cross 100 exclusive stores within the next 2 years.
Sehwag‘s endorsements are managed by Professional Management Group, which is co-owned by former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, Sam Balsara of Madison Group, and Noomi Mehta of Selvel Publicity.
PMG had last year signed a five-year deal with Sehwag which included a minimum guarantee of Rs 1 billion valuing the deal at Rs 200 million per year.
The cricketer currently endorses nine brands which includes the likes of adidas, Zandu Balm, Boost, JK Cement, Hero MotoCorp, Royal Challenge, Rasna, Karbonn Mobiles and Nirala.
When you plan to buy medical insurance for your family, the first question is often about savings. You may assume that buying online automatically means paying less, but that is only part of the picture. The real issue is not just whether the premium looks lower, but whether the policy gives you suitable family health insurance without adding avoidable costs later.
Buying online can sometimes appear more budget-friendly because you can compare plans, review features, and complete the process without depending entirely on offline assistance.
Still, a lower visible price does not always mean better value. To understand whether you can truly save more, you need to look at the full buying experience and the policy terms together.
Why Online Purchase Can Look More Economical
When you explore family health insurance online, you usually get access to plan details in a more direct and organised way. This can make the buying journey feel simpler and more transparent.
A few reasons online purchases may seem cost-effective include:
● Easier comparison of policy features
● Direct access to premium details
● The ability to review inclusions and exclusions at your own pace
● Fewer chances of making a rushed decision
● More control over the plan selection process
This does not mean every online option is automatically cheaper. It simply means the online route may help you assess choices more carefully, and that itself can influence how much value you get from the policy you choose.
Saving Money is Not Only About a Lower Premium
A lower premium often catches your attention first, but that should not be the only measure of savings. If you buy medical insurance based only on what looks affordable at the start, you may overlook conditions that matter later.
A family health insurance policy should be judged on overall value, including:
● The scope of cover
● Waiting period terms
● Exclusions
● Room eligibility conditions
● Sub-limits, if any
● Claim-related terms
● Renewal conditions
If the premium is lower but the policy has stricter internal conditions, the apparent saving may not feel meaningful when you actually need hospitalisation support.
So, the better question is not only whether online purchase costs less, but whether it helps you select a plan that remains financially sensible over time.
Comparing Plans Online Can Prevent Overspending
One clear advantage of the online route is that it allows you to compare different options without pressure. This can help you avoid paying for features you may not need or missing features that matter for your family.
Before you buy medical insurance online, look closely at:
● Who can be covered under the plan
● How the sum insured works for the family
● Whether day care procedures are included
● How pre-existing illness rules are explained
● Whether add-ons are optional or built in
● How clearly the policy wording is presented
This level of comparison can support better decision-making. In many cases, savings come not only from the premium itself but from choosing a policy with fewer surprises.
Online Discounts Should be Viewed Carefully
Online discounts can make a plan look attractive, but they should always be read alongside the policy details. A discount may reduce the upfront cost, yet the true worth of the policy depends on what it covers and how it responds during a claim.
When reviewing discounted online plans, check whether the policy has:
● Treatment-specific limits
● Room rent restrictions
● Co-payment clauses
● Disease-wise waiting periods
● Claim deductions linked to the hospital category
● Limited cover for selected benefits
These points are important because a policy that looks cheaper at purchase may involve more out-of-pocket spending later. That is why discount-led buying should be replaced with detail-led buying.
Final Thoughts
Yes, buying online can sometimes help you save more when choosing family health insurance, but only if you look beyond the headline price. The online route may give you better visibility, easier comparison, and more time to review the policy terms.
That can support smarter choices and may reduce the chances of paying for a plan that does not suit your family well.
If you want to buy medical insurance online, treat savings as more than a discount. The real advantage lies in choosing family health insurance that balances affordability, clarity, and meaningful coverage for your household.
