The competition is hosted by the Aussie Rules Football Association of India (ARFAI), with the two Rajasthan Eagles’ squads putting in terrific performances with the seniors managing a competitive two-win-two-loss performance whilst the juniors achieved their best ever result finishing second place at the carnival.
The Rajasthan Eagles themselves were first founded in 2014 and have grown from strength to strength each year with the mission of growing AFL through grassroots development, junior pathways and competitive opportunities.
Finishing runner-up at the ARFAI National Championships is the highest finish for Rajasthan’s juniors since their inception.
AFL Rajasthan Founder Dicosta David was thrilled with the historic results of the recent competition, highlighting the impact of over a decade of work at the grassroots level in Rajasthan and across the nation.
“This represents years of hard work, dedication, and belief from our players, many of whom come from grassroots backgrounds. This achievement has given our young athletes confidence and recognition, and it shows that Rajasthan is becoming one of the emerging regions for AFL in India,” David said.
“Opportunities to play AFL in India are extremely important for the growth of the sport and for the development of our players. These competitions provide exposure, improve skills, and help athletes understand the professional level of the game. It also gives young players hope, purpose, and the chance to represent their state and country.
“The support and structure of these competitions are helping build a strong future for Australian Rules Football in Rajasthan and across India.”
The West Coast Eagles’ relationship with AFL Rajasthan began most recently with the Club sending over new guernseys, allowing the Rajasthan Eagles to don the blue and gold with pride.
However, the Club have been strongly connected to the Indian community over the past two years, working closely with the Indian Society of WA (ISWA) in growing the game within diverse populations.
Executive General Manager - Community and Game Development Richard O’Connell highlighted the blossoming international relationship between the Club and our Indian equivalent.
“We celebrate that there are outstanding West Coast Eagles fans across Australia - we also recognise we have fans right across the globe. In India alone we have hundreds of supporters, none more passionate than the Rajasthan Eagles. They continue to grow from strength to strength which is incredibly exciting,” O’Connell said.
The West Coast Eagles connection to the Rajasthan Eagles forms part of the Club’s diversity and inclusion strategy, with the 2026 Cultural Heritage Series in Round Four providing an important opportunity to spotlight our connection to multicultural communities in Australia and around the world.
