Twelve months on from Essendon’s training session on the India-Bangladesh border, yet another huge local crowd has turned out to catch a glimpse of their favourite Bomber stars.

There wasn’t a Watson, Heppell or Daniher in sight, but a team of passionate Bengalis who ‘donned the sash’ in the West Bengal State Tournament.

Five teams took part in the tournament and it was the Khardah Bombers who once again proved the side to beat, as they secured back-to-back premierships.

Secretary General of the Australian Rules Football Association of India, Sudip Chakraborty, said the success of the West Bengal State Tournament further demonstrates the growing passion for the game in India.

“It was one fantastic day of international footy at a remote rural setting with the defending champions the Khardah Bombers winning the state champs this year once again,” Chakraborty said.

“This can be seen as both rewarding for the Bombers who have helped give a big push in the area and also for anywhere in the world (apart from Australia) to organise a footy tournament in a distant village, with over 500 spectators watching all day.”