Mumbai: Khar Gymkhana Revokes Indian Cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues’ Membership Amid Controversy
Mumbai, 22nd October 2024: Khar Gymkhana, one of Mumbai’s historic clubs, has terminated the membership of prominent Indian women’s cricket player Jemimah Rodrigues.
This decision follows complaints from certain club members regarding her father, Ivan Rodrigues, reportedly utilizing the club facilities for “religious activities.” Concerns were raised about events purportedly aimed at converting “vulnerable” individuals.
The revocation was confirmed during the annual general meeting on Sunday. Efforts to reach Jemimah and her father for their comments on the matter went unanswered.
Khar Gymkhana’s president, Vivek Devnani, stated, “The honorary membership awarded to Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues was rescinded following a resolution from attendees at the general meeting on October 20, 2024.”
Committee member Shiv Malhotra elaborated on the situation, mentioning that Ivan Rodrigues was associated with an organization known as Brother Manuel Ministries. This group had reportedly reserved the presidential hall for approximately 18 months, conducting 35 events during that time. Malhotra expressed concern about the nature of these gatherings, stating, “We are aware of conversion activities taking place throughout the country, but witnessing it happen so close to home was alarming.”
He further noted that, according to Khar Gymkhana’s regulations, any religious activities are strictly prohibited.
Former president Nitin Gadekar recounted that a staff member informed him about the alleged religious activities. “Along with Malhotra and a few others, I attended one of the events. We discovered the atmosphere was dimly lit, with trance music playing and a speaker proclaiming ‘He is coming to save us.’ It was shocking to see such activities allowed within the Gymkhana,” Gadekar remarked, adding that this led to the decision to cancel Rodrigues’ membership.
In 2023, Jemimah Rodrigues had been invited to join the club and access its facilities.
