\n<\/p>\n
In a groundbreaking announcement, Australia\u2019s leading hockey league, Hockey One, will introduce a new team that features nearly one-third of its players from India or of Indian descent. This initiative is aimed at building a stronger connection with the Indian community in Victoria.<\/p>\n
The new team, called the Melbourne Cobras, will be the eighth team in both the men’s and women’s divisions of Hockey One. It will be the second team from Victoria, following after the Hockey Club Melbourne. The Cobras are set to make their debut in 2026, with the first public reveal happening in Punjab this October, before the final reveal in Melbourne at the end of November.<\/p>\n
Out of a squad of 25 players, eight must be from Indian roots. The organizers, Hockey Victoria, are focused on bringing top Indian talent, promising young athletes, and recent retirees to the team. This effort aims to appeal to the growing Indian community in Victoria, especially those with ties to Punjab.<\/p>\n
Andrew Skillern, CEO of Hockey Victoria, noted, “Many of our local clubs are from the Indian community, and most of that community in Melbourne has Punjabi roots. We want to create a franchise that not only captivates local fans but also inspires more engagement within the South Asian community in Victoria.”<\/p>\n
Skillern also mentioned that while current Indian national players might not be available for the full season, they can help promote the team back in India and connect with the Indian diaspora worldwide.<\/p>\n
Meetings have been held with various stakeholders, including Hockey India and its players. Although top Indian players may not participate due to their busy schedules, there are possibilities for players from the India A team or junior teams to join. A Hockey India official shared, “It\u2019s a work in progress, but we understand that juniors can be sent to play there.”<\/p>\n
Skills and his team remain hopeful about the involvement of well-known players like Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh. During a recent visit to Australia for friendly matches, they discussed this exciting opportunity with these players and the head coach of the Indian national team.<\/p>\n
Skillern noted, “Many players have shown strong interest. They appreciate the flexibility of playing for Cobras while still fulfilling their national duties.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team also looks forward to welcoming emerging talents and retired players. For instance, Rupinder Pal Singh, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, has played for both Canberra Chill and HC Melbourne after his retirement.<\/p>\n
Skillern expressed enthusiasm about offering opportunities for young talent from India. “We want to provide avenues for teenage boys and girls to join the high-performance scene in Australia,” he said.<\/p>\n
As part of its initiative, Hockey Victoria plans to collaborate with HIL franchises, aiming for international expansion of the Cobras brand. Notably, Hockey One will also allow players to access a unique sponsorship program, sharing 75% of revenue from sponsorships among the team.<\/p>\n
“This is a first for hockey globally,” Skillern stated. “We are excited about letting players share in merchandise profits as well.”<\/p>\n
With these new developments, the Melbourne Cobras are set to bridge the gap between Australia and India, creating a thrilling new chapter in the world of hockey.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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