ANOC has awarded a scholarship to Vishal Anand to study at the Russian International Olympic University in Sochi ©ANOC

The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has awarded Fijian Vishal Anand a place at the Russian International Olympic University in Russian city Sochi.

Anand, a legal officer and Board secretary for the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), has secured an ANOC scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year.

All 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) were invited to submit potential candidates for the scholarships with those successful securing a place on the Masters in sports administration course.

The ANOC claim the course will equip students with "world-leading education imbued with the Olympic values."

Anand’s application was endorsed by the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) and the FRU.

Vishal Anand has worked for the Fiji Rugby Union for the past three years ©Getty Images
Vishal Anand has worked for the Fiji Rugby Union for the past three years ©Getty Images

The scholarship has been provided courtesy of the Vladimir Potanin Foundation, a charity founded by Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin which supports higher education, arts and cultural projects, and philanthropy development in Russia.

Tuition fees of the master programme and accommodation for the duration of his stay in Sochi, including a return ticket for travel to the city have been included in the scholarship.

Anand has a bachelor of law degree from the University of the South Pacific and has been working at FRU since 2018.

He is set to learn about sports diplomacy, economic theory and international business environment as part of the masters programme.

"ANOC conveyed its appreciation for an outstanding application and FASANOC wishes Vishal all the best for his studies in Russia and career ahead," a statement from ANOC read.