Mastercard signs with Indian Badminton Stars

Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty have all been named by Mastercard as brand ambassadors for the company in India. The new ambassadors will collaborate with Mastercard to raise awareness of the safety, security, and convenience of digital payments in India as winners of the 2022 Thomas Cup and Birmingham Commonwealth Games. 

This alliance supports the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) initiatives and Prime Minister Modi’s ambition for a “Digital India.”

Indian professional golfer, Shiv Kapur was added to Mastercard’s elite group of golfers earlier this year, which also includes the Arjuna Award for Golf winner, Anirban Lahiri as a brand ambassador. In addition to badminton, Mastercard has a significant global investment in sports such as tennis, cricket, soccer, and e-sports.

Nikhil Sahni, Division President, South Asia, Mastercard, said:

“Mastercard is looking forward to teaming up with Indian badminton stars Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty, who serve as an inspiration to millions of sports enthusiasts in the country. With support from the new badminton brand ambassadors, Mastercard aims to meaningfully engage with millions of cardholders and help support India’s cash-to-digital journey.”

Commenting on the deal, a company’s statement said:

“Today’s badminton ambassadors reflect the aspirations of a resurgent India and serve as respected role models to the younger generations.  Similar to the key role played by Mastercard’s brand ambassador MS Dhoni, the badminton stars will be a part of Mastercard’s Team Cashless India campaign, which works with merchants and cardholders to create awareness of the safety, security, and convenience of digital payments.”

CommonWealth Games 2022 Gold Medalist, Lakshya Sen also said:

“I am humbled and grateful for what I have been able to achieve, from growing up in Almora, Uttarakhand, to putting India on the world stage in badminton. I am honored to serve as an inspiration to millions of Indians by partnering with Mastercard to tangibly demonstrate the benefits, ease and safety of digital payments, which I have experienced firsthand.”