San Jose, California, USA: Raju Chekuri, an Indian-American entrepreneur, has made a significant move into India’s sports arena by launching the Goa Guardians, the 10th team to join the Prime Volleyball League.
A former volleyball player himself, Chekuri said his mission is to create the kind of competitive sports environment that he never experienced growing up.
Having left India nearly 40 years ago, Chekuri established a successful career in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in the United States. His investment in the Guardians stems from both personal passion and a practical, execution-oriented mindset. “Everyone talks about vision, but what really matters is persistence, resilience, and consistent decision-making—whether in business or sport,” he explained.
The franchise, co-owned by Indian cricketer KL Rahul, made its league debut in October 2025. Its talent scouting focuses primarily on players from the Konkan region. Chekuri sees volleyball as a highly athletic, yet underexploited sport that can uncover remarkable talent.
“Volleyball is a non-contact, high-intensity sport. When played well, it’s thrilling,” he noted. “We are fortunate to have some exceptional players. By nurturing them carefully, we can achieve great results.”
In their first season, the Goa Guardians reached the semi-finals of the Prime Volleyball League. Chekuri described their performance as promising. “We are a well-prepared and resilient team. Although we made a few early mistakes, the players stepped up and fought through challenging matches, some lasting five sets,” he said.
The idea for the franchise took shape while Chekuri was spending time in Goa, where he had previously invested in a media venture called the Department of Lore. He said the state’s vibrant atmosphere made it an ideal launchpad. “Goa has a unique energy, rich culture, and a festive spirit. It’s known worldwide and provides the perfect setting for introducing something fresh like volleyball,” he said.
Chekuri’s ambitions go beyond managing one team. Through his Chekuri Sports Ventures, he plans to establish a fund dedicated to sports infrastructure, youth development, and media innovation. “This is driven more by emotion than strategy,” he said. “After 40 years away, it’s time to give back and invest in India.”
Chekuri’s own volleyball journey began on the school courts of Ahmedabad, continued through Kakatiya University, and even earned him a national call-up before he prioritized academics. “Back then, there were no professional leagues. The dream was simply to represent India, driven purely by love for the game,” he recalled.
He emphasized that the current aim is to cultivate the competitive structure he lacked. “Children should experiment with various sports until around age 11. After that, we can start shaping their potential,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chekuri is focused on long-term cultural impact rather than short-term victories. “Our commitment is to grassroots development. Winning a few tournaments is exciting, but the real goal is to create a culture that makes Goa India’s most beloved volleyball team. We want our fans to have every reason to cheer for us,” he concluded.
