Athletics & Olympics
Himani Mor Rejects ₹1.5 Crore Job Offer Abroad: Neeraj Chopra’s Wife Chooses Sports Entrepreneurship Over Corporate Career
In a world where million-dollar job offers are considered a dream, Himani Mor — wife of India’s Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra — has surprised many by turning down a lucrative ₹1.5 crore opportunity abroad.
The news came as a shock to sports enthusiasts and the general public alike. Why would anyone refuse such a massive salary package? The answer, as revealed by her father, lies in her vision for a future beyond personal gain — a commitment to build something of her own in the field of sports.
The Job Offer and Why She Refused
According to reports, Himani was offered a sports-related corporate job in the United States with an annual package of ₹1.5 crore. The role matched her education and international exposure, making her an ideal candidate.
However, she declined the opportunity, choosing instead to pursue entrepreneurship in India. For her, the security of a job did not outweigh the freedom of building something impactful in the sports industry.
Father Chand Mor’s Statement
Her father, Chand Mor, clarified the decision in an interview:
Yes, Himani received a very good job offer in the USA worth ₹1.5 crore annually. But she refused it. She wants to create her own path and start her own sports business instead of working under someone else.
This statement revealed that Himani is not looking for a safe, comfortable option — she wants to take risks, innovate, and leave a lasting legacy in sports management.
Himani Mor’s Academic Background
Himani has an impressive educational journey that explains her confidence:
- Delhi University – Bachelor’s in Political Science.
- Franklin Pierce University, New Hampshire (USA) – Sports & Fitness Management.
- McCormack Isenberg School of Management, Massachusetts (USA) – Master’s in Sports Management & Administration.
Her academic record reflects a long-term commitment to understanding the sports ecosystem, both from a performance and management perspective.
Life as a Tennis Player
Before stepping into sports management, Himani was a professional tennis player.
- She represented India at junior levels.
- She trained under some of the best coaches during her teenage years.
- Injuries and academic commitments gradually shifted her career trajectory away from active competition.
Her journey as a player gives her first-hand knowledge of athlete struggles — from lack of infrastructure to limited support systems — insights she now plans to address through her entrepreneurial ventures.
Experience in the United States
While in the US, Himani gained valuable international experience:
- Worked as a part-time assistant tennis coach.
- Served as a graduate assistant managing the women’s tennis team at Amherst College.
- Learned about the sports ecosystem in developed nations, where athletes are supported not just with facilities but also with career management, sponsorships, and mental health support.
These experiences deepened her conviction that India needs stronger sports management systems beyond cricket, especially for Olympic disciplines.
Marriage to Neeraj Chopra
Himani and Neeraj tied the knot in a private ceremony earlier this year. Despite her new identity as the wife of India’s celebrated javelin champion, Himani continues to pursue her independent goals.
Friends and family describe her as ambitious yet grounded, determined to make her own name instead of relying solely on her husband’s fame.
Why Entrepreneurship Over a High-Paying Job?
The decision to reject ₹1.5 crore is not just financial — it’s philosophical.
- Autonomy: She doesn’t want to work under a corporate structure.
- Impact: She wishes to contribute to India’s sports growth directly.
- Vision: Building a venture that can support athletes in multiple disciplines.
In her view, entrepreneurship allows her to create long-term value, while a corporate job would have limited her freedom.
The Changing Face of Sports Management in India
India’s sports industry is at a turning point:
- Non-cricket sports like athletics, badminton, hockey, and kabaddi are gaining popularity.
- The need for professional sports managers is growing rapidly.
- With India’s ambitions to host major global tournaments, experts in sports management are in high demand.
Himani’s entry into this field as an entrepreneur could help set new standards.
Reactions From Fans and Experts
The public has responded with a mix of admiration and curiosity:
- Fans praised her for her courage and independence.
- Sports experts see this as a positive shift where athletes’ families are contributing to the growth of the ecosystem.
- Critics, however, question whether it was wise to reject such a secure and high-paying role.
Yet, most agree that Himani’s vision aligns with the broader need for sustainable sports development in India.