A groundbreaking initiative to bring Indian-Australian sporting talent to the forefront is underway in Melbourne’s north, with a $500,000 commitment from a re-elected Albanese Labor Government to establish the Melbourne Cobras hockey franchise.
The Cobras—featuring international-standard women’s and men’s teams made up of both Indian and Australian players—will be based in Cloverton, McEwen, and are set to become a powerful symbol of multicultural sporting excellence.
Backed by Hockey Victoria, the new teams aim to attract national and international attention, with home games slated for broad broadcast coverage.
“This is a further example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to Melbourne’s Indian-Australian community,” said Federal Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell.
“It’s a fantastic initiative that will strengthen community ties through our shared passion for the sport while creating an opportunity to host world-class teams right here in McEwen.”
Federal Member for Gellibrand, Tim Watts, noted that the Cobras come at a time when sport is increasingly seen as a diplomatic bridge. “In the ‘green and gold decade’ leading to Brisbane 2032, sports diplomacy plays an important role in our engagement with the region—especially India,” Watts said.
“The Melbourne Cobras will be a platform for building not just league-to-league partnerships, but people-to-people relationships.”
The $500,000 in funding, spread over four years, is aimed at helping Hockey Victoria lay the foundations for a franchise that blends sporting excellence with cultural pride. For the fast-growing Indian community in north-west Melbourne and across regional Victoria, the Cobras are expected to become a new source of inspiration.
Andrew Skillern, CEO of Hockey Victoria, said the support from the Albanese Government was a major step forward. “The Melbourne Cobras will become a symbol of aspiration to the Indian diaspora,” he said.
“This is Australia’s first Indian-centric sports franchise—and it’s going to be based in the heart of one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in the country.”
Beyond sport, the Cobras are expected to generate local jobs and boost economic activity in McEwen and the Mitchell Shire, reinforcing Labor’s pledge to deliver infrastructure and opportunities that reflect the needs of multicultural communities.
As with all government initiatives, the funding will be delivered in accordance with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
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