Indian Sports Professional Wins Chevening Scholarship to Study Sport Management at Loughborough University

My name is Rohan Shane Pereira, and I am from New Delhi, India. I have been a passionate sportsperson all my life and have enjoyed being involved in sport in various capacities and formats. Naturally, this motivated me to explore opportunities to work in the sporting sector after beginning my career in professional services and management consulting. Over time, I transitioned into the Indian sporting ecosystem, working in different roles. After close to four years in the field, I developed a keen interest in sport policy and international development, which led me to pursue an MSc in Sport Management, Politics and International Development at Loughborough University.

Chevening Scholarship Details

In 2024, I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This was the only scholarship I applied to. It covers my full tuition fees, living expenses, and other secondary costs associated with pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, one of India’s leading institutions for the social sciences. At the time, I was not sure of a career in sport, primarily because I was unaware of the diverse opportunities in the field. My undergraduate education helped me build a strong foundation in research and problem-solving, which led to my initial role in management consulting as a generalist researcher. As I gained more professional experience, I began shaping my career interests. My academic background proved to be a valuable asset in understanding broader development narratives, eventually helping me connect the dots between sport, development, and social change.

How did you prepare for the IELTS exam?

I conducted in-depth research and reached out to alumni from targeted programmes, as well as industry leaders, to better understand what I could gain from a Master's degree in my chosen field, especially since it is still considered relatively niche. I put significant effort into crafting strong motivation statements and securing relevant reference letters from my former university lecturers and workplace supervisors. In the year I was selected for the Chevening Scholarship, I also completed the IELTS exam to meet the language requirements.

To prepare for the test, I relied on YouTube tutorials and guidance videos. One resource I found particularly helpful was the channel IELTS Advantage, especially for understanding the exam format and common question types.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chevening Scholarships?

The Chevening Scholarship had been on my radar since 2022, and it quickly became a major goal of mine. I began preparing by watching several videos and reading online guides about the application process. I also reached out to former Chevening Scholars to gather insights and tips that could help me refine my approach.

Additionally, I made a deliberate career shift, from working in sports consulting with government and private sector clients, to engaging with grassroots sports programmes in India. This move helped me understand the on-ground realities and challenges in the sector and shaped my vision and goals. It allowed me to build a more focused and compelling narrative for my application essays and my interview. Moreover, I actually spent close to 4 months drafting my essays, constantly re-reading and revising them based on feedback I was able to gather from well-wishers.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it was a combination of factors. Firstly, my experience spanned different sectors and levels of work, showing that I had invested time in understanding the ecosystem and grounding my proposed solutions in practical experience. Secondly, the field I came from, sport for development, was relatively uncommon among Chevening applicants, who are often from ‘recognised’ sectors like public policy, law, education, and health. Lastly, my persistence stood out. Having applied to the scholarship more than once, I believe my continued motivation and clarity of purpose resonated with the panel and demonstrated my commitment.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly, I would not change much. While there might have been steps that could have helped me secure the scholarship earlier, the process of trying, failing, and learning was invaluable. It taught me resilience, helped strengthen my faith, my focus, and how to remain committed to a goal. Rejection, in this context, did not mean a definite 'no” – it simply meant “not yet.” That lesson has stayed with me.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

I would encourage applicants to research as much as you can about their field, the problems they want to address, and how their work fits into the bigger picture. Ask yourself what makes your solution unique and what evidence you have to support it. Gain as much practical experience as you can; it will help you write stronger essays and speak with confidence during interviews.

Also, reach out to past recipients. I was fortunate to receive feedback and encouragement from Chevening Scholars and other well-wishers, and their insights helped me sharpen my application. External feedback is vital as I feel that it brings a fresh perspective, which becomes extremely relevant when you have been working on your essays for months at a stretch. And finally, keep the faith. Everyone has their own path. Avoid comparisons and trust your journey. The lessons you learn along the way are just as valuable as the outcome.