As part of the Kerala Club’s spectacular Golden Jubilee celebration, Parampara 2024, this summer witnessed the thrilling debut of Sportsfest—a multi-sport, co-ed, team-based tournament that brought together the community, particularly the younger generation of Malayalees, for an unforgettable display of athleticism, camaraderie, and competitive spirit. Six teams battled across four disciplines—basketball, cricket, volleyball, and soccer—vying for the ultimate title and a grand prize.
Team Name
Manager(s)
Lasher Fire
Ashwin Philip
313 Kairalis
Libin Vaidyan, Ticil Varghese & Sanjay Oommen
Detroit DE313’s
Anilash Panikulangara
Kalari Killshos
Brian Mathew & Abel Koshy
Kerala Warriors
Tia Gijo
Vazhakullam Hurricanes
Sibin Mathew & Shine Eappen
The entire tournament was made possible by the incredible support of our title sponsor, Mr. Rajan Paul. An inventor, avid sports enthusiast, and the visionary founder of the innovative game Rap 7s, Mr. Paul’s sponsorship was instrumental to the success of this grand event.
Leg 1: 313 Kairalis Dominate the Hardwood
The competition kicked off on June 6th in Oakland Field House(Rochester Hills) with the basketball tournament. The 313 Kairalis, led by their formidable captain Libin Vaidyan, set the tone for Sportsfest by storming through the competition. They went undefeated, showcasing flawless teamwork and skill, ultimately defeating the Kalari Killshots in a hard-fought final to claim the basketball championship and take an early lead in the overall tournament standings.
Leg 2: Vazhakullam Hurricanes Strike on the Cricket Pitch
The action moved to Trombly Park(Warren) for the two-day cricket tournament on July 4th and 5th. Having placed fifth during the basketball leg, the Vazhakullam Hurricanes, led by Captain Shine Eappen, were determined to assert their dominance. They did just that, delivering a powerful performance when it mattered the most. In the final showdown, they defeated the Kalari Killshots to clinch their second consecutive championship, solidifying their lead in the standings. Their first place standing helped the Hurricanes to third place, and with two back-to-back second place finishes the Killshots took the lead in the overall standings.
Leg 3: A Battle of Generations on the Volleyball Court
On July 26th, the energy was electric at Elite Sportsplex(Waterford) as the volleyball tournament began. The event was a beautiful showcase of our community’s talent, with younger players and seasoned veterans joining forces on the court. The Warrior Hurricanes, captained by Shine Eappen, proved to be the team to beat. Their masterful blend of young talent and championship experience propelled them to victory over the Detroit DE313’s in a gripping three-round final. With this win, the Vazhakullam Hurricanes surged to the top of the overall leaderboard, setting the stage for an intense finish to the tournament.
Leg 4: Vazhakullam Hurricanes Crowned Soccer Champions
Sportsfest culminated on September 6th at Bicentennial Park in Livonia, with the highly anticipated soccer tournament. The overall championship was on the line and the atmosphere was charged with intensity, pride, and a hunger for glory. The Hurricanes, led by Sibin Mathew, showcased an unstoppable performance, going undefeated throughout the tournament. They ultimately claimed the soccer championship by defeating the 313 Kairalis in a thrilling final game, adding another impressive title to their name.
The Final Standings: Vazhakullam Hurricanes Make History
After an exhilarating summer of competition, the Vazhakullam Hurricanes emerged as the undisputed overall 2025 Sportsfest Champions! Their consistent excellence and remarkable performance across all four sports earned them the coveted title and the $4,000 cash prize. The Kaloor Killshots, with their strong and consistent showings, secured a well-deserved second place in the inaugural tournament.
This tournament stands as a shining example of how sports can unite a community. The event was masterfully led by Rojan Panicker, Tia Gijo, and Sunil Ninan from The Kerala Club, and was supported by a dedicated organizing committee including Jinesh John, Bejoice Kavanan, George Philip, Jake Chandy, Ashwin Philip, Jeremy Mathew, and Joey K’Mali. Their tireless efforts and seamless collaboration brought this spectacular vision to life. The first-ever Sportsfest was more than a competition; it was a celebration of our people, our passion, and our Parampara.