HCLTech has entered into a strategic partnership with Hockey Victoria to support the newly launched Melbourne Cobras franchise, which debuts in the Hockey One League in 2026. As part of the agreement, HCLTech will design and develop a comprehensive digital fan engagement platform. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity for fans across Australia and India by integrating live match insights and personalized content, supporting the diversity goals of the new team.
HCLTech Partners for Australian Hockey Debut
MELBOURNE and NOIDA, India, March 11, 2026 – HCLTech, a global technology leader, announced today a significant new partnership with Hockey Victoria. This collaboration is specifically established to support the Melbourne Cobras franchise, marking its entry into the prestigious Hockey One League this year.
The Melbourne Cobras franchise is the eighth to join Australia’s top domestic hockey competition. The team is committed to building a globally connected and inclusive structure, intending to feature a blend of Indian international players alongside top local talent. This strategic inclusion aims to strengthen the sport’s future in the region while celebrating community diversity.
Developing a Digital Fan Platform
The core of the partnership involves HCLTech leveraging its global expertise in large-scale digital platforms for sports organizations. HCLTech will design and develop a specialized digital fan engagement platform for both Hockey Victoria and the Melbourne Cobras.
This new platform will move beyond standard sponsorship activation by offering features such as live match insights, interactive content, and deep personalization. The goal is to foster a closer connection between fans across Australia and India and the team.
Executive Commentary
Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand at HCLTech, expressed excitement about bringing their experience to this venture. She stated, “We have helped leading sports organizations around the world build strong, scalable fan platforms and we are excited to bring that experience here to create a more connected fan experience and help grow hockey across Australia and India.”
Andrew Skillern, Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Victoria, highlighted the importance of the team launch. He noted that the vision for the Cobras was always to reflect community diversity while showcasing talent internationally. He added that partnering with HCLTech “enables us to offer a truly innovative and inclusive experience for fans.”
About HCLTech
HCLTech is a global technology firm employing more than 226,300 people across 60 countries. The company delivers capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud, and software. Consolidated revenues for the 12 months ending December 2025 totaled $14.5 billion.
Source: BSE