In this new episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh sits down with incoming Head of Cultural Diplomacy at the Australia India Institute, Sudip Chakraborty, to discuss his journey from founding the national governing body of Australian Rules Football in India (AFL India) to leading cross-cultural sports initiatives across both countries.
Sudip was instrumental in leading Essendon Football Club’s Embracing India Strategy and later contributed to a range of initiatives at the AFL Headquarters focused on expanding the game’s reach both in India and among the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Australia. In 2016, he also led the formation of Australia’s first national Kabaddi team, which competed at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup.
The pair delve into how AFL is bringing together Australian and Indian communities, and how sports can be used as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, identity and stronger bilateral ties.