In 2015, Australia hosted the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Cup.
This brought together the top 16 national teams in Asia, including India.
Anthony Bubalo says that the Asian Cup presented “a significant opportunity for Australia to promote its image and national branding, as well as its goods and services, and strengthen networks in the region.”
In 1938, Indian football (soccer) team first visited Australia.
Its impact on race relations and sports diplomacy between the two countries was profound.
This official football tour is significant as it occurred 9 years before the first official tour to ‘white’ Australia by an Indian cricket team.
Football is still the most popular game in India and Australia after cricket.
Indians playing bare feet against Australian football team Source: football match youtube
Here’s a rare video of an amazing match between India and Australia.
Some Indian players who were not used to wearing shoes, played bare feet.
WATCH VIDEO: RARE!! Indian football team playing in Australia bare feet in 1938
