Loughborough University, a renowned training ground for international athletes, has announced a new scholarship specifically aimed at supporting Indian students excelling in sports other than cricket. This initiative, titled the Virendra Kumar Dhall Scholarship for Sporting Excellence, was introduced by Indian entrepreneur Aman Dhall in memory of his late father.

Announced just a day after the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, where India celebrated its latest medalists, this scholarship will be offered over five years, with a total value of GBP 12,500. The scholarship is intended for Indian students at Loughborough University who are either competing internationally or are on the path to representing India in their respective sports.

The annual grant of up to GBP 2,500 will assist athlete scholars in covering essential costs related to their training and competition. This includes travel expenses for trials, purchasing sports equipment, coaching fees, nutritional guidance, gym memberships, and other critical resources needed for high-level performance.

Loughborough University, which has previously trained India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra, as well as sporting legends like Lord Sebastian Coe, Adam Peaty OBE, and Paula Radcliffe MBE, has long been a hub for nurturing global sports talent.

Aman Dhall, who earned his MSc in Sport Management from Loughborough University in 2011, established this scholarship as a tribute to his father’s dream of seeing him represent India in sports. Having faced significant financial challenges during his own sporting journey, Aman is committed to easing the path for the next generation of Indian athletes through this scholarship.