Bond University, Australia’s leading private, not-for-profit university, has awarded its inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s India Scholarship to DY Patil International School IB student Ms Karen Mistry, daughter of India’s fastest sprinter Rachita Mistry. Â
This the first year this scholarship has been awarded and is one of the University’s most prestigious covering full tuition fees for any single undergraduate degree and provides a global education for the recipient.
Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford said, “As the inaugural recipient of the Vice-Chancellor India Scholarship, Ms Mistry joins a select group of extremely talented young Bondies who are destined to become future leaders in their fields.Â
“I was impressed by the outstanding academic ability and extensive sporting achievements that Ms Mistry has demonstrated throughout her schooling. Her scholarship application showed great leadership potential – a quality she will be given every opportunity to build on during her time here at Bond,” said Professor Brailsford.
With Olympic potential in her blood, Ms Mistry plans to pursue a career treating sports men and women, motivated by her passion for sport and witnessing from a young age how her mother’s injuries impacted on her career.
“I was four years old when my mother first tore her right hamstring muscle. I have seen first-hand the impact that inadequate injury treatment can have on an athlete; I want to help athletes with their injuries so that it never becomes an obstacle in their sporting career,” said Ms Mistry.
“It is my dream to be part of the Indian Olympic contingent; not as an athlete, but rather as the team’s sports physiotherapist.”
Professor Brailsford said this scholarship provides Ms Mistry with some of the best exercise and sport science opportunities in the world.
“Last year Bond secured a $14 million research grant from the federal government to work with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and several other universities to investigate and advance sports science. The University is expanding its health programs and partnerships with professional sporting bodies, and in five years the Commonwealth Games will be staged on the Gold Coast - the home town of Bond University. In the lead up to the Games there will be a number of opportunities for our students to interact, engage and work with the Games operators and competing sport groups,” said Professor Brailsford.
The scholarship initiative has received the strong support of the Gold Coast City Mayor, Cr Tom Tate.
“All of our universities are doing some great things with their international reach, but I particularly acknowledge this initiative by Bond University. Relations between Australia and India hold tremendous potential for the Gold Coast in many ways, and it is a significant gesture by Bond to recognize that bringing one of India’s best and brightest young leaders to the Gold Coast can only assist building long-term strategic partnerships with one of the world’s largest economies,” said Mayor Tate.
Both Professor Brailsford and Mayor Tate were in Mumbai over the weekend to present Ms Mistry with her scholarship.
Mayor Tate commented, “I enjoyed meeting Karen in person and congratulating her. It will be a pleasure to welcome her to the Gold Coast.”
For more information on the international scholarships offered through Bond University click here.