New Delhi: The iconic Gymkhana Club, known for its coveted membership and distinct nation-wide appeal, is currently in the throes of a legal tussle. The club has been dragged into legal battle, apparently because of ‘nepotism and financial irregularities’ or as claimed in the petition by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

The MCA has filed a petition with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to take control of the Gymkhana club. May 13 has been fixed as the next date of hearing.

The Gymkhana Club members are astonished and dismayed over the ‘financial bungling’ charges leveled against such an institution with rich legacy. Behind this move, the club smells a conspiracy by some powerful and mighty people, who hold a grudge against it. They also see it as a motivated campaign by some vested interests to gain control over the club.

What MCA wants, why Gym club calls move ‘unjustified’

The Gymkhana Club, though admits that a person may have to wait for 20-30 years in getting membership, but it is of firm view that government must not interfere in the functioning and management of a private club. Especially, when the club has a rich legacy of producing many national sportsperson and world-renowned personalities.

In its petition, the MCA has sought dissolution of the club’s elected committee and prayed that its reigns be handed over to the Ministry.

The Gym club argues that President and managing committee are mostly retired or serving official at secretary level or high-ranking officer from armed forces. To allow government takeover is not a justified solution, rather it will make the matter worse.

Gymkhana Club & its social service in times of Covid-19

The Gymkhana Club was set up by Britishers almost a century back, particularly for civil servants and Armed services. The 107-yr-old traditional club has 80% of property dedicated to sports activities including the erstwhile Davis Cup which used to be held here. It has produced national level sqaush n swimming players.

At a time, when the nation is under lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Gymkhana Club is looking after its elderly members.

# Many senior members above 75 years age literally depend on the club for food, as most of them stay alone.

# It also organizes arts and crafts market occasionally for craftsmen, literary fests, sports tournaments, swimming tournaments.

# It is a great place for artists , thinkers, philosophers and intellectuals to meet and discuss a variety of topics over a drink or meals.

# Club also does social work like donating extra left-over food to orphanages and the needy and was just about to open up the club to school children to use the sports facilities to encourage sports.

# It contributed over 40 lakh to the PMNRF & PM Cares fund and donated rations to migrants & under privileged from Day 2 of the Lockdown.

Owing to these social initiatives, the club calls the takeover attempt as unwarranted and uncalled for.

“Treating a 3-year-old case as URGENT in lockdown period reeks of conspiracy by some vested interest. Govt could have waited till the lockdown is over as the Club committee does not even have full access to relevant case documents to prove fight the case effectively,” says the Gym club.

A look at distinguished sportsperson produced by the Club

Bhuvneshwari Kumari permanent member of Delhi Gymkhana Club, awarded with prestigious Padma Shri 2001, Arjuna Award 1984, Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award 2010, Limca Book of Records 1992, K. K Birla Foundation Award for Sports 1991, Bombay Sports Journalist Association Award 1992, Delhi Sports Journalist Association Award 1983, Rajasthan Olympic Association Award 1993-1994, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh Award 2001, Maharaja Mewar Foundation “Aravali Award” 1990, Rajasthan Sports Council Award 1984.

She played and trained at Delhi Gymkhana Club and was also awarded with the Sports Person of the Centenary ( 1913-2013). She also holds the record of National Squash Champion for 16 years in a row 1977 – 1992. Total no of titles won 59.

Other sportsperson from Gymkhana Club who represented India:

Sohini Kumari represented India in Federation Cup 1991, 1993, 1995 and also SAF Games 1991 got Gold Medal in team event in tennis. Represented India in Squash at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games 1998. Most Versatile Sports Person Limca Book of Records 1998 represented India in tennis and squash.

Yogendra Singh represented India in World Team Championships 1978 was ranked 4 in India in men’s and was National Junior Champion in 1978 won all Junior events in India in 1978. He was National Coach with Indian Squash team from 1994 to 1998. First Indian qualified International National Referee approved by World Squash Federation Limca Book of Records 1998.

Tanvi Khanna ranked no 2 in India, runner-up in National Championships 2019. Silver medal in team championship in Asian Games 2018, Gold Medal in individual and team event SAF Games 2019.

Sanya Vats National Junior Champion in girls under 19, represented India in World Junior Championships, Asian Junior Championships and SAF Games gold medal in team event 2019.

Sankalp Anand represented India in World Junior Squash Championship.

Jaivir Dhillion represented India in Asian Junior Squash Championships.

Shaurya Bawa runner-up in boy’s under 15 National Squash Championships 2019.