Bombay Gymkhana Unveils The Journey So Far, Celebrating 150 Years Of Sporting Heritage

Mumbai: Bombay Gymkhana, one of India’s historic sporting institutions, today unveiled its commemorative coffee table book, The Journey So Far, at the Club’s Dining Hall. The 284-page publication celebrates the Club’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1875, documenting more than 150 years of sporting achievements, traditions, personalities and milestones.

Edited, designed and printed by Spenta Multimedia Pvt. Ltd., with valuable contributions from Club members, The Journey So Far brings together a rich collection of archival photographs, historical records and contemporary images. The publication offers a visual journey through Bombay Gymkhana’s evolution across generations, showcasing its sporting disciplines, tournaments, facilities, teams, athletes, coaches, members and distinguished sporting personalities.

The book also records several defining moments in the Club’s long association with Indian sport. Among its most significant chapters is Bombay Gymkhana’s association with India’s first-ever home Test match, played against England in 1933. The historic encounter marked an important milestone in the development of Indian cricket and remains an enduring part of the Club’s sporting history.

While cricket occupies a prominent place in the Club’s story, The Journey So Far also highlights Bombay Gymkhana’s longstanding association with other sports. Rugby has been an important part of the Club’s sporting identity since 1890, with Bombay Gymkhana playing a significant role in the development and promotion of the sport in India. Over the decades, the Club’s teams and players have made a valuable contribution to the competitive rugby landscape.

Polo, too, forms an important chapter in the Club’s sporting history. The sport was among the early disciplines associated with Bombay Gymkhana, with the prestigious Bombay Gymkhana Polo Challenge Cup established in 1882. The revival of polo at the Club in recent years, after a gap of nearly a century, has renewed its connection with this historic sporting tradition.

Another significant milestone featured in the Club’s recent history is the release of a commemorative postage stamp by the Department of Posts to mark Bombay Gymkhana’s 150th anniversary. The stamp recognised the Club’s long-standing heritage and its contribution to India’s sporting and cultural landscape.

Over more than a century and a half, Bombay Gymkhana has evolved alongside Mumbai while remaining committed to its sporting traditions. From cricket, rugby and polo to tennis, badminton, squash, swimming and other disciplines, the Club has provided a platform for sporting participation, competition and excellence across generations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjiv Saran Mehra, President, Bombay Gymkhana, said, “The Journey So Far is a celebration of our remarkable sporting heritage and the generations who have been part of Bombay Gymkhana’s journey. Our history is closely intertwined with the sporting history of Mumbai and India, and this book is an effort to preserve these memories for future generations. It also reminds us of the responsibility we carry to ensure that this legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”

Sunil Gavaskar (Former Indian Cricket Captain; Padma Bhushan | Arjuna Awardee | ICC Hall of Fame 2009) shared, “Being a member of Bombay Gymkhana has been an absolute honour and one of my most cherished experiences. I have spent many happy hours here, playing both badminton and cricket, and I feel truly blessed to have been a member of this wonderful club. Seeing so many sporting achievers and champions associated with the Gymkhana has always been a real thrill. The legacy of legends such as Nariman Jamshedji Contractor, along with the memories of those who are no longer with us, truly reflects what Bombay Gymkhana stands for. The Journey So Far is a wonderful way to preserve and celebrate that rich legacy. Classy, always classy, that is what Bombay Gymkhana is.”

Uday Pawar (Former Indian International Badminton player; Four-Time National Doubles Champion | Asian Games Bronze Medallist | Coach & Mentor) said, “Bombay Gymkhana is the most iconic sports club in India. In Badminton former All England and World champions like Wong Pen Soon, Erland Kops and Rudy Hartono have played on our courts, in Cricket, the first ever Test match was played here, in Boxing we have hosted the World Championships and in Squash too the best players from the World have entertained the Sports lovers. A coffee book to preserve all these memories is a welcome move by our dynamic President Sanjiv Saran and his colleagues in the Comittee. Congratulations to Bombay Gymkhana.”

M M Somaya (Former India Hockey captain; 1980 Olympic Gold Medallist | Three-Time Olympian | Arjuna Awardee), said, “The iconic Bombay Gymkhana has been a Sportsman’s paradise for over a century and a half. Besides top-of-line Sports amenities, the Gym has developed a distinct sporting culture and a strong set of values. Bombay Gym has been able to strike a balance between deep rooted tradition and an equal measure of modernity. The management has consistently been top notch and has played a key role in nurturing a strong bond with members across age groups. Happy that the Gym will be formally launching a Coffee Table Book to commemorate 150 years. The Book will make an interesting read since it will showcase the many historic events that have been hosted by the Gym and also feature the impressive achievements in various sporting disciplines. Wishing the Launch function the very best.”

The publication is more than a record of the past; it is a visual and historical reflection of an institution that has continued to evolve while preserving its traditions. The Journey So Far seeks to honour the people and achievements that have shaped Bombay Gymkhana and provide future generations with a lasting record of its extraordinary sporting journey.

The unveiling of The Journey So Far marks another milestone in Bombay Gymkhana’s 150-plus-year history, celebrating its past while looking towards the future with a continued commitment to sport, sporting excellence and community.

Published on: Monday, August 24, 2026, 12:56 PM IST