HISTORY
On Saturday, 5th Oct 1912, a meeting of the Catholic Community was held in the Goan Union School Hall at Dabul, to discuss the then Govt’s offer of a site for a Catholic Gymkhana. Mr. Frank Oliveira, B.A. L.L.B., Presidency Magistrate of Bombay was unanimously voted to Chair this ‘Provisional Committee’. At this historic meeting, a resolution was passed, tendering ‘the grateful acknowledgements of the Catholic Community of Bombay, to the Govt for the generous grant of a site for a Catholic Gymkhana, which grant the said community hereby accepts’.
With this The Catholic Gymkhana was born.
The Catholic Gymkhana was soon at the forefront of the City’s sporting, social and cultural activities, and consequently, its membership grew exponentially. Owing to space constraints, the building as we know it today, replaced the graceful wood and brick structure of yore. It was built in the early 70’s during the tenure of Dr. J. Leon D’Souza who often described the Gymkhana as ‘my baby’.
The Catholic Gymkhana was soon at the forefront of the City’s sporting, social and cultural activities, and consequently, its membership grew exponentially. Owing to space constraints, the building as we know it today, replaced the graceful wood and brick structure of yore. It was built in the early 70’s during the tenure of Dr. J. Leon D’Souza who often described the Gymkhana as ‘my baby’.
By this time, the Gymkhana was well known for its sporting excellence – Football, Hockey, Billiards, Cricket, Badminton, Tennis, etc, flourished. And what is more, the Christmas, New Year’s and Alfresco Dances and some of the other social functions at the Gymkhana, achieved near-legendary stature. Its restaurant, The Palms and the well-stocked bar,Susegado became coveted meeting places for members from far and wide.
ABOUT US
In the past decade or so the Gymkhana has seen a series of sea changes. Additions to the Gymkhana are a recently constructed, outdoor multi-sports complex, a state-of-the-art, 3500 sq ft air-conditioned hall, a popular air-conditioned Party Room, The Palms, a relaxing out-door restaurant and a Roof-Top Terrace Garden, the Gymkhana’s pride. A Diner, a Lounge, and a Library, plus a Gymnasium with steam bath facilities, for men and women, are added assets. Members continue to avail of the indoor sports facilities like the Badminton court, an air-conditioned Billiards & Snooker room and a well-appointed Card room. To administer all these improvements and innovations, the various concerned Sub-Committees have been strengthened and new ones created, to implement the Gymkhana’s Vision.
Regular Sporting activities, include its very popular Annual Athletics Meet, Football, Hockey, Rink Football, Inter-club cricket, and more. Cultural functions, like singing, instrumental and art competitions, Knowledge sessions on issues of Health and Well-being conducted by renowned doctors, and social sessions like Karaoke Evenings, Music Nights, Members’ Nights and the vastly popular Housie evenings, make The Catholic Gymkhana Ltd., a destination of choice and a home away from home, for so many.