In its debut 2025 season of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League, the Goa Guardians delivered one of the tournament’s most compelling underdog stories, finishing just short of the final and signalling the arrival of a new sporting force in Goa, the state that the team represents. Blending overseas firepower from Jeffrey Menzel and Nathaniel Dickinson, both American volleyball players, with a steady domestic core led by captain Chirag Yadav and coach TC Jothish, the new team embraced an aggressive, fearless style of play that won admirers across the league. After opening with two narrow five-set losses, a comeback win over defending champions Ahmedabad Defenders proved a turning point. Emphatic performances against Kolkata Thunderbolts and Delhi Toofans then carried them to a historic semi-final berth, where their spirited campaign ended against Mumbai Meteors. And yet the Goa Guardians’ impact goes beyond the court. As one of the newest PVL entrants, the team marks Goa’s first organised push into professional volleyball, a sport long overshadowed by football. In this Q&A, Goa Guardians general manager Arup Soans reflects on building the team from scratch and how volleyball is finding its place along Goa’s coast and within its sporting community.
What have been the key gains and learnings made by the Goa Guardians in the brief period since their inception?
The biggest gain for us has been the process of building a new team from scratch and seeing it come together with belief, professionalism and heart. In a very short span, we managed to create a strong identity both on and off the court, as well as establish a culture rooted in teamwork, respect and accountability. From an operational point of view, we’ve learned how to navigate everything that comes with being a new team, from recruitment and training to fan engagement and partnerships. The first season has given us invaluable insights into what works, what can be improved and where we can build stronger systems for the long term. It’s been a short few months of learning, listening and laying the foundation for what we want the Goa Guardians to stand for.
How suited do you think Goa is to volleyball? The state has been known for its football prowess. How can volleyball find its place in Goa?
- Goa has always had a deep sporting culture, from football to athletics to now volleyball, and what truly stands out here is the passion of the people. The energy and enthusiasm we’ve seen during our season show that Goa is ready for a new sporting story.
- Volleyball, in many ways, fits perfectly with Goa’s rhythm. It’s dynamic, fast-paced and community-driven. Our goal is to make volleyball a part of Goa’s sporting identity, not in competition with football but as a complement to it. With the right programmes, visibility and grassroots engagement, volleyball can grow rapidly here, especially among youth and schools that are eager to explore new sporting avenues.
How are the efforts that Goa Guardians have made to popularise the team and as far as outreach to fans is concerned?
- The first season was about introducing the Guardians to Goa and building a sense of pride and belonging. Our campaign #AmcheGuardians was designed to connect emotionally with fans, reminding them that this is their team.
- We’ve been gathering feedback from fans, partners and players to understand how we can make the experience even more engaging next year, both on-ground and digitally. The goal is to create meaningful community touchpoints, from school visits and open training sessions to local events and social initiatives that go beyond the volleyball court. We want to make the Goa Guardians not just a team people support but a movement people feel a part of.
With its ample and popular beaches, do you think Goa should try and position itself as a beach volleyball destination?
- Absolutely. Goa’s natural environment gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate volleyball in all its forms. Beach volleyball, in particular, fits perfectly with Goa’s lifestyle, tourism and culture.
- There’s tremendous potential to position Goa as India’s home for beach volleyball, hosting exhibition matches, festivals and youth tournaments along the coastline. We see this not only as a sporting opportunity but also as a way to bring communities together, attract tourism and promote active living. If developed correctly, Goa can easily become the most iconic beach volleyball destination in the country.
How does the Goa Guardians team plan to collaborate with local schools, colleges and sports bodies to develop grassroots volleyball in Goa?
- Our long-term vision is clear — to build a sustainable ecosystem for volleyball in Goa. We’re already in discussions with partners like Don Bosco and other local institutions to develop viable volleyball infrastructure and host regular programmes.
- The next step is to launch structured academy engagement and inter-school tournaments that identify and nurture young talent. Over time, we also hope to introduce a regional league that gives local players more match experience and visibility.
- Grassroots development is not just a plan for us, it’s the heart of what will make the Guardians’ legacy meaningful. The stronger the base we build in Goa, the brighter the future of volleyball will be across the region.
