Emil Vartazarian


Emil Vartazarian is an Armenian-Iranian who played in the India national rugby union team from 1998 to 2006. He previously played professional football for Bengal Mumbai FC.

Coaching career

Vartazarian played rugby for his college team from 1991 until 1995. Vartazarian had to stop as the college team did not have a team for school students one year under the age of 19. As a result of this he started to play for the Armenian Soccer Club from 1993 to 2001. The last time that he ever represented his prestigious Armenians team, Vartazarian was also a part of the squad that won the All India Beach 7 a-side rugby in Chennai 2001. He was a regular member in the Indian national rugby team which was established in 1998. By profession, Vartazarian was the Technical Director for the South Indian Rugby Football Association. In addition to this, he was also a key player in the Chennai state team and coach of both the Chennai team and the Tamil Nadu Police state team. He was also the assistant coach for the Indian under-19 Rugby team. With him as a player and coach, the Chennai Cheetahs won the All-Indian Beach Seven a side tournament in Chennai in 2003, went up to the semi-finals in the all India tournament in 2002 as well as 2003, won the National Cup in 2004, lost the finals in 2005 and once again brought home the cup in 2006. They have also won the South India 'Ten a side' tournament in 2007 and 'All India Sevens' in 2005.
Vartazarian has a degree in Film Studies from St. Xaviers College, Kolkata. Charismatic, good looking and superbly fit, he has appeared in commercials for Seven Up, Park Avenue and some energy drinks. His hobbies include rigorous gym work outs and cooking for his family and friends. He has interests in cinema and starting an ethnic Iranian-Indian cuisine restaurant. Vartazarian has also completed a Master's course in Sports Management in Australia, and currently resides in Melbourne, Victoria.