T
he AFL has unveiled a long-term strategy to grow Australian Rules Football in India, with the goal of reaching more than 100,000 registered participants over the coming years. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.
The plan marks the AFL’s biggest investment yet in India, now its fastest-growing international market. It follows AFL CEO Andrew Dillon’s visit to the AFL India National Championships in Ranchi earlier this year and aims to build on the grassroots growth driven largely by local volunteers since the game was introduced in 2008.
The first phase of the strategy will focus on expanding junior and community participation through schools, academies, coaching and umpiring programs. It also includes plans to establish an AFL India Talent Academy, strengthen national competitions and representative pathways, increase opportunities for women and girls, and distribute tens of thousands of Sherrin footballs and other equipment to local communities. The AFL also wants Australian Rules Football to eventually be played in every Indian state and school.
The strategy also aims to strengthen the AFL’s connection with Australia’s growing Indian community through participation programs, cultural events and talent pathways. Existing initiatives include AFL Khel, Hindi-language broadcasts, the Next Generation Academy and the AFL Community and School Connect program.
Andrew Dillon said India represented one of the AFL’s biggest long-term opportunities.
“When I visited India earlier this year, I saw firsthand the passion and commitment of the volunteers, players, coaches and umpires who have built Australian Rules Football from the ground up,” he said.
“Our focus is on growing participation, strengthening grassroots opportunities and creating a clear pathway for more people to play our game in India.”
More than 20,000 people have taken part in Australian Rules Football across 11 Indian states since the sport was introduced in 2008. The AFL said the new strategy would be rolled out in stages, working with local partners to build a sustainable future for the game.
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