LOV KAIRALI LIONS KIDS
STRENGTH IN UNITY
Volleyball is a sport that lacks diversity often making Black and Brown people feel amiss. It is a common experience to enter a volleyball space and have one (or few) People of Color. The Kairali Lions have offered an oasis for Indian children to learn how to play volleyball from elders within the community and compete against other South Indian communities across the country.
Our LOV Leader Rintu went from learning volleyball from his uncles to becoming a “chetai”, or big brother to the next generation of players. Utilizing Rintu’s insight on this flourishing volleyball community, we will provide high level coaches to build and elevate the potential for its youth to pursue collegiate and professional opportunities within the sport.
As programming becomes available, check out our programming registration page for more information.
CHICAGO KAIRALI LIONS
What started as a daily ritual for Malayali people to play highly competitive volleyball in the evening at the park in the 70s developed into a network of volleyball players across several states who compete in tournaments throughout the year. Embedded into the culture is an emphasis on honoring the elders, such as Jimmy George and Lukose Naduparambil, who paved the way and shared their passion for volleyball and their knowledge of the sport. Their legacies live on through the next generation of athletes. Learn more about the Chicago Kairali Lions team.
A word from our founder:
“First and foremost, thank you to Rintu Phillip… Your mentorship and big-brother attitude has always been key to our connection- you truly have seen me for me, without judgement. Your innate desire to help others is what fuels your spirit and is what continues to fuel our relationship. You’ve been there for me in trying times and continue to show-up on a daily basis- without falter- and I thank you for that. I am overly excited for this new journey we are taking together and I couldn’t be more proud that you are serving on our board.
I also want to say thank you to the entire Kariali Lions crew and all of the “uncles” involved for your inclusion over the years, keep rolling boys (and by roll, I mean swing as hard as you can)! The passion and fire you play with can break down any wall- even if it’s a 6’10” six-handed one.
LOV can not wait to bring high-level coaching access to the South Indian community and the future Kairali Lions.”
- Harshil Thaker
Founder, LOV
