Australia
Melbourne Cobras Join Hockey One League, Strengthening Australia–India Sporting Ties: In a major development for Australian hockey, Hockey Victoria has officially unveiled the Melbourne Cobras as the eighth franchise to join the national Hockey One League. The announcement was made at a high-profile launch event attended by sports officials, community leaders, diplomats, and members of the media.
The introduction of the Melbourne Cobras marks a significant step in Hockey Victoria’s strategy to expand the sport across Melbourne’s North-West metropolitan corridor and regional areas of the state. The new franchise aims to create a strong pathway for high-performance athletes while also connecting with one of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities — the South Asian diaspora.
Speaking at the launch, Anish Rajan, Consul-General India highlighted the broader impact the franchise could have beyond sport.
“The Cobras will be a bridge to connect the hockey fans of Australia and India and further deepen economic and commercial partnerships between Australia and India,” Rajan said. “It will also create avenues for economic growth and employment opportunities in industries related to sports leagues.”
A central pillar of the Cobras’ vision is to actively engage the Indian diaspora community in Australia. By building strong cultural and sporting connections, the team aims to inspire the next generation of athletes from diverse backgrounds to pursue hockey at the highest level.
Officials say the franchise will not only strengthen participation in the sport but also create a deeper sense of community engagement and fan connection. The arrival of the Cobras will also introduce an exciting Melbourne Derby, adding a new layer of rivalry and excitement to the local hockey scene.
Andrew Skillern said the launch represents a pivotal moment for the sport in the state.
“The launch of the Melbourne Cobras is more than just a new team,” Skillern said. “It’s a bridge between Victoria’s rich hockey history and its diverse future. We are creating a platform that not only showcases world-class talent but also reinvests directly into the grassroots game here in Victoria.”
The Cobras will adopt a unique team selection strategy that reserves positions for players of Indian origin within its 25-player squad. The roster is expected to feature a blend of homegrown Victorian players, emerging international talent, and current and former stars of Indian hockey, creating a multicultural team with strong international appeal.
Sports administrators believe the innovative model will attract both domestic and global partnerships, potentially opening new avenues for bilateral trade and business collaboration between Australia and India.
Hockey Victoria oversees the development and administration of hockey across the state, managing competitions and programs for more than 15,000 participants across 140 clubs. Nationally, the sport has over 90,000 registered participants, making it one of Australia’s most widely played sports.
The organization already manages two Hockey One franchises: Hockey Club Melbourne and the newly formed Melbourne Cobras. Hockey Club Melbourne enjoyed a successful 2025 season, with its men’s team securing the Hockey One championship for the second consecutive year, while the women’s team finished as runners-up.
The Hockey One League represents the highest level of hockey competition in Australia, featuring both men’s and women’s teams under unified franchise identities. Other teams in the league include the Adelaide Fire, Canberra Chill, NSW Pride, Brisbane Blaze, Perth Thundersticks, and Tassie Tigers.
Now heading into its sixth season, the league is experiencing increasing global attention, with matches broadcast internationally across Asia, Africa, the United States, and the Middle East. Locally, games are streamed live and free through 7plus, while international fans can watch through Hockey One’s Global Pass.
With the launch of the Melbourne Cobras, Hockey Victoria hopes to usher in a new era of growth for the sport — one that combines elite competition, cultural diversity, and stronger international connections.
