The Australian Football League (AFL) is continuing its efforts to expand internationally, with AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon set to visit India as part of a broader strategy to engage with one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing sporting markets.

Mr Dillon’s week-long visit will include meetings with sports administrators and business leaders, aimed at better understanding India’s sporting landscape and exploring opportunities for collaboration and long-term development. The visit also reflects the AFL’s growing interest in strengthening its presence beyond Australia.

As part of the trip, Mr Dillon will travel to Ranchi to attend the AFL India National Championships, an annual event that brings together players from across the country. This year’s championships are expected to feature around 250 male players and more than 45 women participants, highlighting the sport’s increasing reach and participation levels.

AFL India began in 2008 with approximately 150 players. Since then, the program has expanded significantly, now involving more than 20,000 participants across 11 states. Development initiatives have focused on grassroots participation, coaching programs, and national competitions to build awareness of the sport.

The AFL views India as a market with strong long-term potential, particularly given the country’s youthful population and growing interest in diverse sporting codes.

Sport is often seen as a powerful platform for cultural exchange, and the AFL has identified opportunities for Australian rules football to contribute to stronger people-to-people links between Australia and India. The Indian diaspora in Australia also plays an important role in this connection, offering a pathway for greater engagement with the game locally and internationally.

The AFL India program continues to evolve, with future growth expected to focus on participation, inclusion, and collaboration with local sporting bodies.

  AFL Development, AFL Global Expansion, AFL India, Andrew Dillon, Australia India Relations, Australian Football League, Grassroots Sport India, Indian Diaspora, Indus Age News, International Sport, Multicultural Australia, Sports Diplomacy, Women in Sport