Melbourne: A 23-year-old Indian-origin Australian student has been awarded a prestigious educational scholarship named after Sir Don Bradman for displaying leadership qualities and values espoused by the cricketing legend.
Amit Balgi, a third-year dental science student of Charles Sturt University (CSU) in New South Wales, beat 60 applicants to claim the scholarship.
The Bradman Scholarship, which is given for demonstrating a balance of sporting ability, educational excellence and community involvement, provides USD 4,670 annually to fund educational expenses for the next three years.
"I love cricket and I admire Sir Don Bradman so much that I thought I`d put everything down and see where it took me and I was lucky enough to be selected," Balgi was quoted in the report by the Central Western Daily.
The selection was finalised by a panel comprising Bradman Foundation chairman Maurice Newman, former Australian prime minister John Howard, the foundation`s executive director, Rina Hore and 2008 Bradman Scholar David Miller.
Balgi said Howard encouraged him to study hard and keep playing cricket at the same time.
Commenting on the Balgi`s personality, Hore said he had been consistently involved in community organisations and charity work, including St John Ambulance, Vision Australia, Lifeline and the Indian Australian Cultural Association, and even travelled to India to help the less fortunate.
"He certainly embodies the leadership qualities and values espoused by Sir Donald Bradman such as dignity, integrity, ambition, determination and modesty," Hore said.
Balgi has also completed a bachelor of health degree from Wollongong, a place where he played most of his cricket in University of Wollongong`s first-grade team.
