HISTORY

HISTORY

The Legacy of Hubli Gymkhana Club: A Celebration of Sports and Community

The Hubli Gymkhana Club, founded in 1899 by European officers of the Southern Maratha Railway, is nestled on the iconic Club Road. Originally established as a recreational haven for British officers of the Madras Southern Railways and Revenue departments, it formed part of a network of Gymkhana Clubs across India, reflecting the colonial tradition of fostering sports and camaraderie.

After India gained Independence, the Club transitioned to Indian management, becoming a cultural and social centerpiece for Hubli’s prominent families. Esteemed figures like Shri Bhalchandra G. Madiman, an avid tennis enthusiast, Shri Govind Sirur, Shri Karandikar (Principal of Lamington School, Hubli), the Joglekar brothers, Shri Shyam Hublikar, Shri Madan Kembhavi, Dr. P. Sadanand Rao, Shri G.S. Yelmali, Dr. Burse, Dr. Bhalchandra and Sumati Nadkarni, and Shri and Smt. Ubhayakar of the State Bank of India were instrumental in shaping the Club’s early Indian identity. There were a lot of Anglo Indian families and Europeans who still lived in Hubli long after Independence, prominent among them were the Offices of Rallis India Ltd., and among the early revenue officers were The Collector of Dharwad.

Sporting Milestones and Community Engagement

The Club marked its 50th Anniversary in 1948 with a grand celebration that featured a variety of competitions, including Table Tennis tournaments, showcasing its dedication to promoting sports among its members.

In 1961, the Club faced a challenging period of dwindling participation, but Shri Shyamrao Hubli of Mallikarjun Cinema revitalized it by organizing an Exhibition Badminton Tournament in 1961-62. This spectacular three-day event drew some of the biggest names in badminton, including Nandu Natekar, Dipu Ghosh, Romen Ghosh, Suresh Goel, Mandakini Kelkar, Banphot of Thailand, Nirmala Puttur, and Vasant Kalambi, making it a landmark event in the Club’s history.

Cricket and badminton flourished during this time, thanks to the dedication of members like Shri Yelmali, Shri Govind Sirur, and Shri Mohan Shirgaonkar, a skilled cricket and badminton player who worked tirelessly to keep the sports culture alive.

A Renaissance in the 1970s

In 1975, a new wave of energy swept through the Club under the leadership of Shri Prakash Rao as Secretary. His tenure, lasting until 1986, saw a significant improvement in the Club’s management and a renewed emphasis on sports and social events.

Building on this momentum, Mr. Bharat Khimji further transformed the Club’s physical environment. His efforts in developing the lawns and enhancing the overall ambience created an inviting space that significantly enriched the experience for all members.

The period from 1975 to 1995 holds great significance in the history of the Club’s sports activities, particularly in Bridge and Billiards. The dynamic Mr. Prakash Rao took the initiative to organize the National Bridge Championship in 1975, marking a major milestone.

In 1986, a new billiards table was inaugurated, and Mr. Bharat Khimji played a pivotal role in inviting renowned billiards champions such as Michael Ferreira, Arvind Savur, Subhash Agarwal, and Arvind Shethi to play exhibition matches. He was ably supported by the energetic Mr. Mohinder Singh Sublok and the late Mr. Vivek Sirur in organizing this memorable event.

The late J.P. Javali, N.P. Javali, and G.I. Vijay Kumar also made significant contributions to the sport of badminton during the 1970s, playing a pivotal role in elevating it to the level of prominence it enjoys today.

Sporting Excellence and Cultural Harmony

Today, the Hubli Gymkhana Club is a vibrant institution that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The Club has hosted prestigious tournaments featuring sports legends like Prakash Padukone, Vimal Kumar, Michael Ferreira, and Geet Sethi, cementing its reputation as a center of sporting excellence.

Beyond badminton and cricket, the Club actively promotes a variety of sports, including billiards, snooker, table tennis, and swimming, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie. Its commitment to cultural initiatives and community-building activities has made it a cornerstone of Hubli’s social fabric. Leading the way is the Gymkhana Premier League (GPL), our annual in-house badminton league based on the IPL format that has drawn huge participation and grown over the past 10 years.

The Hubli Gymkhana Club stands as a testament to the enduring power of sports, culture, and community. As it celebrates its 125th Anniversary, it continues to honour its rich legacy while embracing new opportunities to inspire future generations.