Parsee Gymkhana Turns 140: A Legacy of Excellence, A Celebration of Sports!

The who’s who of the Parsi sporting world and eminent personalities gathered at the Parsee Gymkhana, Marine Lines, on 25^th February, 2025, to commemorate 140 years of its glorious existence, marked by unfailing dedication to the promotion of sports. The event saw an auspicious beginning with Vada Dasturji Dr. Jamasp K. JamaspAsa, UK-based oncologist who flew down especially to perform the Jashan ceremony, and then led the audience in a short ‘Humbandagi’ prayer. The occasion also celebrated and honored numerous accomplished sportspersons from the community including Nari Contractor, Farokh Engineer, Diana Eduljee, Adille Sumariwala, Vispy Kharadi, Vispy Kapadia, Hoshang Dadachanji, Rustom Patel, Mickey Mehta, Naheed Divecha and many more.

A special congratulatory message from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was read out: “The Zoroastrian Parsi/Irani community is one that has enriched India economically, industrially and educationally and has been of immense value to our nation. I thank the community for being a vital part of India’s diverse cultural fabric, and for having contributed significantly to our nation’s growth. I once again congratulate and send my best wishes on Parsee Gymkhana on completing 140 years!”

Gracing the occasion were members of the Mumbai Cricket Association, who gifted a special plaque to the Parsee Gymkhana, as a special gesture, in commemoration of this landmark year. The event was also graced by representatives of neighbouring gymkhanas, Corporator Harshita Narvekar, and BPP Trustees, among other Parsi personalities, who came to show their support for this iconic and beloved institution.

Founded on 25^th February, 1885, the Parsee Gymkhana was established by our visionary Parsee legends, including Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, who presided as its first President, and Jamsetjee Tata, as its first Chairman. Today, these hallowed grounds are associated as being the forge in which many a rich sporting career has been moulded. Cricketing legends like Farokh Engineer, Polly Umrigar, and Suryakumar Yadav are some of the leading sportsmen we can name. From its inception the Gymkhana has provided facilities for games as cricket, lawn tennis and badminton… and the list has only grown over the decades.

Rusi Bhumgara, Secretary of the Gymkhana’s Celebration Committee, introduced the Chief Guest for the evening, Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla. Addressing those present, Justice Kathawalla said, “Nothing creates a stronger sense of togetherness than a grand celebration like this. My congratulations to the organisers and sports heros. Parsee Gymkhana is a pioneer in sporting activities, especially cricket.” Commending Parsi cricket and tennis pioneers and champions in India, as far back as those who had played against the British colonial rulers, he went on to say, “It is comforting that some things do not change and beloved landmarks continue to retain their charm. Parsee Gymkhana is one such paragon. I wish that is continues to stand… grand and gracious and that we see more sportspersons emerge from its hallowed portals.”

The occasion also marked the felicitation of numerous sportspersons from the community who have shown their prowess at various sports, including cricket, badminton, tennis, table tennis, cycling, motor cycling, karate, judo, weight lifting and swimming. Some of the sporting greats who were honoured include Nari Contractor (cricket), Rehan Pocha (swimmer, Olympian), Adil Sumariwalla, Diana Edulji, Vispi Kapadia (karate, badminton), Hufrish Nariman (badminton), Naheed Divecha (badminton), Jehan Daboo (badminton), Kyra Shroff (tennis), Vispy Daroga (weight lifting) and Vispy Kharadi (Steel Man of India), among many other sporting stalwarts.

Former caption of the Women’s cricket team as also the first woman cricketer inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame – Diana Edulji, speaking exclusively with Parsi Times, shared, “Unfortunately today, Parsis are rare in sports, especially cricket. It’s possibly a laid-back attitude that has crept into the youth and perhaps they want to concentrate on their careers. But cricket can be a career too! I have come up by playing tennis ball cricket in our colony. Passion, ambition is required and where there’s a will, there’s a way… just come out and play!”

Speaking about the future plans for the Gymkhana, President Mehli Golwalla said, “We would love to grow, we are doing our best to spruce up the interiors – there is a new restaurant and bar under construction. We want to do more for sports. Unfortunately, whenever we conduct camps for children, we don’t get a sufficient response. Reasons differ from load of studies, travel issues and in general, there’s a demographic decline. There are also distractions for youngsters in the digital age.” President Mehli Golwalla is ably supported in his endeavours to uphold the club’s legacy by his fellow committee members and especially, Vice President of Parsee Gymkhana – Khodadad Yezdegardi, who has been instrumental in building and upping the cricketing standards at the Gym, which has resulted in birthing world-class cricketers.

Parsi Times extends heartiest congratulations on this glorious occasion to this landmark institution, which has always upheld the tenets of sports and crafted so many sporting careers!