Bombay Gymkhana stands Test of time, is now 150 not out
Mumbai: The iconic Bombay Gymkhana in South Mumbai celebrated its 150th anniversary on Thursday. A number of activities like the unfurling of its flag, singing of the gymkhana anthem and ringing of its bell were part of the celebrations.
The opulent, ground-plus-one storey British-era grade 2A heritage structure had hosted the first Test match to be played on Indian soil in December 1933.
Lala Amarnath
had scored a memorable century in this match against England. C K Nayudu and Douglas Jardine were the rival captains for this Test.
"Our gymkhana is a sports powerhouse. We invited our members, who enthusiastically participated in the celebrations.This is a milestone and we wanted to make it memorable," said Bombay Gymkhana's president Sanjiv Saran Mehra.
Inaugurated on June 19, 1875, the gymkhana was founded primarily for sports and games. The gymkhana's past president and noted sports journalist Khalid Ansari, in an earlier interaction with TOI, had recalled the colonial masters' aim: "Fostering a heritage where sportsmanship, friendships evolve in a high-quality facility and environment in a socially responsible and friendly manner."
Nostalgia pervades the corridors of this institution. One of the stories is about how the famous Parsi philanthropist Sir Cowasji Jehangir donated Rs 1,800 for its construction (at a total cost of Rs 18,625) but was not allowed entry to the clubhouse as its membership was open only to Europeans at that time.
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