Footy in India

TWLS

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The first National Aussie Rules Football Championships of India are currently being held at the Gitanjali Stadium in Kolkata and has attracted local sponsors.
This Cricket Stadium was opened in 2011 and seats 4000.
There are teams from 7 Indian States competing which reflects the growth of the game up there since 2008.
This event is a step forward for the game up there. The comp covers Senior and Junior teams and has included coaching by Aussie footballers
Several local dignitaries are attending which bodes well for the future and it looks like our game has established itself and getting on to a Cricket Ground is good news.
Check out the photos and more info on the AFL India Facebook page which has a pic of the teams lined up at the opening.

Speaking of India and Footy the Article below from the AFL Essendon Bombers Web site talks about our game in West Bengal. The Bombers visited that area last year.
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2015-10-16/footy-in-rural-india
 

TWLS

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The first National Aussie Rules Football Championships of India are currently being held at the Gitanjali Stadium in Kolkata and has attracted local sponsors.
This Cricket Stadium was opened in 2011 and seats 4000.
There are teams from 7 Indian States competing which reflects the growth of the game up there since 2008.
This event is a step forward for the game up there. The comp covers Senior and Junior teams and has included coaching by Aussie footballers
Several local dignitaries are attending which bodes well for the future and it looks like our game has established itself and getting on to a Cricket Ground is good news.
Check out the photos and more info on the AFL India Facebook page which has a pic of the teams lined up at the opening.

Speaking of India and Footy the Article below from the AFL Essendon Bombers Web site talks about our game in West Bengal. The Bombers visited that area last year.
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2015-10-16/footy-in-rural-india

The article below was written by an Indian Blogger watching his first game of Aussie Rules at the recent Indian Nationals. Apparently there were about 100 players at the comp from the seven States and and a estimated 7000 involved in the game across India.

http://scroll.in/article/766701/it-...ta-gets-acquainted-with-aussie-rules-football

Future Potential for our game---
India has twenty States and seven Union Territories.
The total number of Cricket Grounds about 236 incl 47 First Class Grounds
1.2 Billion people
Enough Said.
 

PontiusPilateXI

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The article below was written by an Indian Blogger watching his first game of Aussie Rules at the recent Indian Nationals. Apparently there were about 100 players at the comp from the seven States and and a estimated 7000 involved in the game across India.

http://scroll.in/article/766701/it-...ta-gets-acquainted-with-aussie-rules-football

Future Potential for our game---
India has twenty States and seven Union Territories.
The total number of Cricket Grounds about 236 incl 47 First Class Grounds
1.2 Billion people
Enough Said.


It is great to see some one post on this tournament. I was lucky enough to be there in Kolkata and it was a really good two days of footy plus a day of training for all the teams with Australian coaches (including the great Gavin Crosisca) before hand. I would just like to point out though that this is actually the third (maybe even fourth) National Championships for AFL India. I was also at the National Championships held in Sangolda, Goa in 2013 which was won by the Bengal Tigers. They also won the 2014 tournament (which I think was held in Kerala) as well as winning this years. 3 in a row for the Benagal boys mirroring the Hawks back in Australia. I think they might have their work cut out for them next year though as the improvement from the Jahrakand Crows in both seniors and juniors was something special.
There may have even been a tournament in 2012 but that predates my involvement with our great sport in that great country.

I also have a heap of photos in a public album on my facebook page if anyone is interested in having a look. There is a little bit of video if you have a look through my public posts; also another album and video of the West Bengal State Championships that were held a month earlier if you have a look a my public posts from early OCtober 2015.

https://www.facebook.com/shane.sayner/media_set?set=a.10206446927945548.1073741864.1039569073&type=3
 

TWLS

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It is great to see some one post on this tournament. I was lucky enough to be there in Kolkata and it was a really good two days of footy plus a day of training for all the teams with Australian coaches (including the great Gavin Crosisca) before hand. I would just like to point out though that this is actually the third (maybe even fourth) National Championships for AFL India. I was also at the National Championships held in Sangolda, Goa in 2013 which was won by the Bengal Tigers. They also won the 2014 tournament (which I think was held in Kerala) as well as winning this years. 3 in a row for the Benagal boys mirroring the Hawks back in Australia. I think they might have their work cut out for them next year though as the improvement from the Jahrakand Crows in both seniors and juniors was something special.
There may have even been a tournament in 2012 but that predates my involvement with our great sport in that great country.

I also have a heap of photos in a public album on my facebook page if anyone is interested in having a look. There is a little bit of video if you have a look through my public posts; also another album and video of the West Bengal State Championships that were held a month earlier if you have a look a my public posts from early OCtober 2015.

https://www.facebook.com/shane.sayner/media_set?set=a.10206446927945548.1073741864.1039569073&type=3

Thanks for the info and the Facebook stuff.
 

TWLS

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Another article on Indian Footy by another Blogger, who covers the topic from a historical background from 2008. There is some interesting stuff on the allocation of funding to AFL India by the Australian Sports Commission, which we heard about 12 months ago. We hope it gets sorted soon.
We might add here that there has been several attempts to get footy going up there and this current effort looks promising at this time led by Sudip Chakraborty.
http://www.sportskeeda.com/australi...derprivileged-communities-cricket-crazy-india
 

UpdateA1

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Another article on Indian Footy by another Blogger, who covers the topic from a historical background from 2008. There is some interesting stuff on the allocation of funding to AFL India by the Australian Sports Commission, which we heard about 12 months ago. We hope it gets sorted soon.
We might add here that there has been several attempts to get footy going up there and this current effort looks promising at this time led by Sudip Chakraborty.
http://www.sportskeeda.com/australi...derprivileged-communities-cricket-crazy-india
 

TWLS

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Back on topic --
The person who is driving AFL India development -Sudip Chakraborty - recently featured on a Bengali Indian TV Show with ex well known Indian Cricketer in Australia -Saurav Ganguly - who hosts the show. We have seen in the past Ganguly kicking a football at the MCG when he was on tour.
It featured both of them showing how to Hand Ball a Aussie Rules Football on the show.
In a clever move the Football was branded very prominently -Australian Sports Outreach Program.

More news - The Bendigo Footy and Netball club will continue its trips to India next January. They hope to host the Indian National Team in August next year when IC17 takes place.
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/3951726/bfnl-headed-back-to-india/?cs=81
 

TWLS

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This article has mixed news about AFL India for the International Footy fans on here.
There is good news for the Architect of the growth in India for the past 5 years -Sudip Chakraborty - who has moved to Melbourne from India and has accepted a footy role at the AFL Essendon Club, and will see the AFL India team at IC17 turn out in Essendon Colours.
We congratulate him on getting that job after 5 years of travelling "solo around India" most of the time introducing our great game.
According to the piece now about 7,000 players up there.
What happens now - No mention of his successor/s.
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2016-08-15/dons-boost-indian-ties
 

TWLS

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Good article from the Bendigo Advertiser which covers a donation to AFL India from the Bendigo Footy League, to assist the Indian Nationals in January.
It appears Sudip is going to maintain good links with the game in India.
Apparently there are 7,000 players in Seven States, and 180 will be participating in the Championships.
No news on how many women players competing but schoolgirls are playing in some districts.
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au...t-for-afl-india-national-championships-video/
Amended - Had a look at the video of last years Nationals today. The team in the Giants jumpers much better organised and were getting a lot of the ball in the clip.
Lot of positives here --
The players were going in hard.
Looked very enthusiastic.
Who knows how big the game can get now - Depends on funds.
Sudip did mention a while back that to get local Govt funding he and many volunteers - Local and expats - had to get 7 Indian States organised, under AFL India which he has now done.
Lets hope they can push through to establish the game in more areas/States.
 
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TWLS

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The support for footy in India continues this month, when 10 students from Flinders Uni in Adelaide, will travel to that country to conduct training sessions etc for AFL India.
The students are from the Sports Science Dept at the Uni, and will also participate in other activities. The trip is sponsored by the AFL and the AFL Adelaide Crows.
Interesting situation and we ponder that with the AFL Port Adelaide Club pushing things along in China, will the AFL Crows do something similar in India.
AFL Essendon are also involved in India.
 

TWLS

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TWLS

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AFL India/ARFAI are about to host their 2017 National Championships on Jan 16 and 17, which will be held in the Multi-Sport Howrah Maiedon-Sailan Manna Stadium, which is located in Howrah in the State of West Bengal.
It has a capacity of 15,000 for "Cricket" and Soccer Football. All those Cricket Arenas just waiting waiting!
The promo notice has the following --
7 States, 12 teams, 180 players, 2 Divisions.
Special Guest - Kevin Sheedy.
There have been several fundraisers held in Melbourne for this Comp, led by the AFL Essendon Club.
Presumably the Women will have matches, have to wait and see.
This is the future of our International game folks.
 
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TWLS

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The article below confirms Essendons interest in India.
Long time International Footy proponent -Kevin Sheedy - getting involved with his beloved Essendon.
Interesting about a long term possible match over there -Essendon v Richmond, which confirms Richmonds interest also in India.
Groups from both clubs have visited over there in the past, and they are following the official AFL mantra of some clubs doing International Development.
To be honest we dont B----y care who does it just that it happens.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-01-12/indian-summer-dons-sheedy-eye-footys-newest-frontier

Two Umpires from the Bendigo Footy League are travelling to the Champs to umpire and hold Clinics for 14 budding umpires.
They are delighted to be involved, and will no doubt do a good job.
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/4398753/umpires-whistle-their-way-to-indian-champs/?cs=81
 
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TWLS

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This article is about a Melbourne based Indian organisation that has connections to the Melbourne Indian Community and to India itself.
The AFL Essendon Football Club has links as well with one of its players Dyson Heppell who has visited India and connected with AFL India who are competing in IC17.
http://www.indianlink.com.au/dyson-heppells-indian-links/

Apparently some of the Aussie cricketers currently engaged in India in a controversial Cricket Series have been getting out the Sherrins during breaks.
This has totally confused the locals who have no idea what the Aussies are doing with the red oval balls.
 

TWLS

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This article is about the precursor to the new Aussie Rules comp in India mentioned above.
It appears that the Reclink organisation has bitten the bullet and gone for it, and they acknowledge the previous efforts of many people.
The history of our game in India some of us can recall goes back to the early 2000`s when footy organisations were set up but never flourished. Lets hope this time a step forward can be taken.
We repeat all those Cricket Grounds ranging in standard from 1st Class to grassroots standard waiting to be perhaps utilised.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rnafternoons/mumbai-takes-a-mark-for-afl/7551116
 

TWLS

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Well well 4 AFL Clubs want to play an AFL match in India in Mumbai for Premiership points.
There is no doubt that they are watching Port very closely to see that clubs financial rewards they will possibly get from their Chinese deal.
Essendon and the Adelaide Crows was one match up.
Richmond and the Giants is the other pairing, with the match being a Giants home game so as not to upset Richmonds big supporter base.
All four clubs are presenting their cases to AFL House.
The Clubs would have obviously to commit to footy development.
Info sourced from todays Paper Edition of the Weekend West and the article below.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-24/tigers-giants-eye-india-clash-in-2018

Here is the other article on the other 2 clubs.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-23/first-china-now-india-dons-and-crows-plan-overseas-clash
 
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TWLS

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Another article on the Essendon and Adelaide possible match up, which appeared on the AFL India Facebook page.
It goes into depth Essendons interest in India and locally in Melbourne with Indian Immigrants over a recent period.
What is interesting is that these 2 Clubs have not discussed playing for AFL points as yet.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...y/news-story/2f50c8f9431eea82446b823deb2e498e

We know that another organisation Reclink Mumbai is also developing footy over there, so where do they fit in with AFL India.
Any development anywhere is good in our opinion and lets hope the participation numbers keep growing on the sub-continent.
 

TWLS

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AFL India getting themselves ready for IC17, and the Indian team will be looked after in Melbourne by Essendon.
Interesting to note that 7 Indian States are represented, however India has a total of 29 States and 9 Federal Territories with heaps of Cricket Grounds and a strong link to Australia through Cricket. The game is only scratching the surface up there, but has come from a very low base, and several previous attempts to get established by various groups.

http://aflindia.org/afl-international-cup-2017/

AFL India will play an Australian Masters team in Kolkata on July 22 which is a ground breaking pre IC17 warm up match.
Note the 2000 participants in the State.

http://aflindia.org/india-vs-australian-masters/
 

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AFL India getting themselves ready for IC17, and the Indian team will be looked after in Melbourne by Essendon.
Interesting to note that 7 Indian States are represented, however India has a total of 29 States and 9 Federal Territories with heaps of Cricket Grounds and a strong link to Australia through Cricket. The game is only scratching the surface up there, but has come from a very low base, and several previous attempts to get established by various groups.

http://aflindia.org/afl-international-cup-2017/

AFL India will play an Australian Masters team in Kolkata on July 22 which is a ground breaking pre IC17 warm up match.
Note the 2000 participants in the State.

http://aflindia.org/india-vs-australian-masters/

Even though there is not too much logic in it, IMO India is much better placed for Australian Football w.r.t. take-up of the game than China. I don't believe it is the fact that India has cricket grounds, but rather Indians are used to attending cricket grounds in numbers in the summer time. Attending football in the off-season wont appear strange and there is some cross-over in Kabaddi.
 

TWLS

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Even though there is not too much logic in it, IMO India is much better placed for Australian Football w.r.t. take-up of the game than China. I don't believe it is the fact that India has cricket grounds, but rather Indians are used to attending cricket grounds in numbers in the summer time. Attending football in the off-season wont appear strange and there is some cross-over in Kabaddi.
Yes agree with that logic, which initially attracted earlier groups to India.
It seems that some of the 7 States under AFL India that have footy presence do not play in any organised season, and this was noted in the above articles, when picking a squad for IC17.
We ponder is there any co-operation between AFL India and Reclink Mumbai. Hope footy politics is not involved.
The Reclink Group Mumbai, which has 8 teams up and running, and intends to commence spreading the game to more Centres. Do not know if they are an AFL Affiliate though.
Here is link to the Mumbai site again to highlight the progress.
http://www.reclink.org/news/mumbai-takes-mark-afl
 
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