SAI officer awarded UK Chevening scholarship amid India's push for Global Sporting Stage

ANI June 22, 2025 412 views

SAI Deputy Director Sathishkumar S has been awarded the UK's prestigious Chevening Scholarship for 2025-26. He will pursue a Master's in Sports Management at Loughborough University, aligning with India's global sporting ambitions. Hailing from rural Tamil Nadu, his journey reflects dedication to public service in sports administration. The scholarship enhances India's sports diplomacy as the country prepares for major international events.

"His journey from rural Tamil Nadu to international recognition is a story of determination and public service." – Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
New Delhi June 22: Sathishkumar S, a young officer from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship by the UK Government for the 2025-26 academic year. He will pursue a Master's degree in Sports Management, Politics and International Development at the globally renowned Loughborough University.

Key Points

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SAI officer selected for UK's prestigious Chevening Scholarship

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To study Sports Management at Loughborough University

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Played key role in Khelo India Games

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Strengthens India's sports diplomacy ahead of global events

Currently serving as Deputy Director at SAI's Bengaluru Regional Centre under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sathishkumar's selection holds significance as India looks to host future editions of the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. The next Commonwealth Games are also scheduled to take place in the UK, which aligns perfectly with his academic focus.

Hailing from Mela Ammanur, a small village near Thiruthuraipoondi in Tamil Nadu's Thiruvarur district, Sathishkumar is the son of retired headmaster Shanmugam and retired nurse Pakkiriyammal. His journey from rural roots to international recognition is a story of determination and public service.

He joined SAI in 2017 and has since played critical roles in over 10 editions of the Khelo India Games. He was deputed as an official observer for India at major international sporting events, including the Paris Olympics and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. He currently oversees training, logistics, and support for several Indian national teams based in Bangalore.

Sathishkumar's Chevening selection is expected to further enhance India's sporting diplomacy and governance, especially as the country expands its ambitions on the global sporting map.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
What an inspiring journey from a small Tamil Nadu village to international recognition! 🎉 This shows how government sports programs like Khelo India are creating opportunities. Hope he brings back global best practices to improve our sports infrastructure.
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Arjun M.
While this is great news, I hope the scholarship comes with a bond period where he must serve Indian sports for minimum 5 years after studies. We've seen many talented people go abroad and never return. India needs their expertise more than ever with Olympics ambitions.
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Sneha R.
As someone from Bengaluru, I'm proud that our SAI center is producing such talent! Loughborough is the Harvard of sports education. His experience will directly benefit athletes training here like Neeraj Chopra did. More such scholarships needed for sports administrators, not just players.
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Rajeev P.
The real story here is how a government officer got selected for this prestigious scholarship. Usually only private sector or elite background people get these opportunities. Shows SAI is nurturing good talent. Hope he focuses on rural sports development after returning.
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Meena V.
His parents being educators explains his success! 👏 We need more such stories from small towns. But I wonder - will he get proper opportunities to implement his learnings when he returns? Our sports bureaucracy is known for resisting change. Hope PMO tracks his career progress.
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Karthik J.
Perfect timing with Commonwealth Games coming up! His international exposure at Paris Olympics and now this UK degree will help India bid for major events. But we must ensure sports politics doesn't waste such talent - remember what happened with Hockey India?

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Tags:
Chevening Scholarship SAI Sports Authority of India Loughborough University Sports Management India sports Khelo India