HCLTech on Tuesday announced a partnership with Hockey Victoria to support the Melbourne Cobras franchise, which is set to debut in the Hockey One League this year.
The Melbourne Cobras will become the eighth franchise in Australia’s premier domestic hockey competition. As part of Hockey Victoria’s vision to build a globally connected and inclusive franchise, the team will feature Indian international players alongside top local talent, promoting diversity while strengthening the sport’s regional presence.
Under the partnership, HCLTech will design and develop a digital fan engagement platform for Hockey Victoria and the Melbourne Cobras. Moving beyond traditional sponsorship, the company will leverage its global experience in building large-scale digital platforms for sports organisations to enhance fan interaction across digital channels.
The platform will offer live match insights, interactive content, and personalised experiences aimed at helping fans across Australia and India engage more closely with the team and the sport.
Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand at HCLTech, said the company is proud to support the launch of the Melbourne Cobras and bring its expertise in digital fan platforms to create a more connected fan experience while helping grow hockey across both nations.
Andrew Skillern, Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Victoria, said the franchise marks an important milestone for the organisation and reflects its commitment to diversity and international-level competition. He added that partnering with HCLTech will help deliver an innovative and inclusive experience for fans.