About Us
Matunga Gymkhana is one of the few public institutions which are fortunate enough to complete 85 years. The history of the birth of the institution and its growth through the stages of infancy, adolescence, youth, and maturity is certainly interesting.
Its early struggle for existence laid the foundation for its present and stature. The outcome of the travails and tribulations it had to face during its earlier uphill journey through rugged terrain.
It is a matter of great rejoicing for those who planted a tiny sapling 85 years back, to see it grown into full-fledged trees in full bloom with a number of branches and sub-branches. To the pioneers and founders of the institution, it is gratifying to note that their planning for posterity has been very fruitful and that the younger generation is reaping the benefits of the tender love the pioneers have showered.
It would, therefore, be the fitness of things to review in brief, circumstances surrounding the birth and the growth of the institution. In the early twenties, the need for Physical culture and methodical health habits was scarcely felt by the educated middle class in the city although a few gymnasium and gymkhana had started their activities in the south of Bombay for the benefit of students and the middle class younger generation.
Dadar Matunga area was then a vast open land interspersed with reads and vacant building plots, marked by the then Bombay Improvement Trust.
The Four middle-class residents of PIROJ Building as it was then named now known as MAHAVIR BUILDING, joined this Gymnasium took a keen interest in its activities for a litter organized physical culture development Centre for the locality, and mooted the idea of starting such a center in 1927 under the name of MATUNGA KREEDA MANDAL.
Their main objective was to attract the student- world and the younger generation towards Physical culture.
The activities of the Kreeda Mandal, in those days, were restricted to Indian Games such as Dund Baithak, Lathi, Kho kho, Markham, etc.
Turning the corner
As the economic conditions gradually improved, prominent social and political workers in the locality were approached and a well-equipped gymnasium in its own building was aimed at catering to the needs of the fast-developing neighborhood. Seth Velji Lakhamsi, the head of the house of Napoos, whose name is given to the main road by the side of the Gymkhana came forward to give a fillip to the activities of these workers, support to the project, and personally attend the playground of the Kreeda Mandal.
Thirteen Original Contributors
Seth Velji Bhai
Dr. M. B. Udgaonkar
K. Vithalrao
K. H. Jahagirdar
V. B. Karandikar
P. S. Nanivdekar
B. V. Dhadphale
D. S. Balvali
G. D. Tagore
Anna Abhayankar
V. M. Nawathe
V. R. Patwardhan
B. P. Wagh
A 9.7 crores mega project for expansion & modernization was launched in 1999 and successfully completed in 2003.. As a result, today M.G.. is a magnificent sports complex with a cool- blue swimming pool, Floodlit tennis courts, Two regulation badminton courts, an international standard table tennis hall, a squash court, an air-conditioned billiard room with two tables, a card room, a state of- the – art health club with Sauna and steam, a clubhouse for Cricketers’ and a fully equipped auditorium. A full-fledged restaurant a well-stocked bar and an enchanting terrace garden are on the anvil.
Seventy-five years ago when the visionary foursome started the small ‘ Akhada’ they were probably subconsciously aware of the proverb. “A journey of a thousand miles starts with one small step’. Though a lot of ground has been covered since then the journey is by no means complete. By encouraging all types of sports & games by making special, affordable playing & coaching arrangements for talented youngsters from low-income groups. M.G will continue to promote excellence in all sporting physical & cultural activities. No one can be certain about the future. But to make it as Bright as possible will be the main thrust of Matunga Gymkhana.