September 22, 2025: Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) reopened on Monday after a grand makeover, with cricketing legend Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar leading the inauguration. The event was marked by loud cheers and applause as Tendulkar performed the ribbon-cutting, joined by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena UBT leader Milind Narvekar, Mahesh Sawant, and other dignitaries.
Reflecting on the occasion, Tendulkar shared, “I remember spending my childhood here. We used to come to have vada pav, but now this gymkhana is ready, and many people contributed to its creation. Raj Thackeray played an important role in getting permissions and even in shaping the design.”
The gymkhana, closed for nearly a year and a half for renovation, now boasts a modernized interior in shades of Wimbledon green and beige, blending contemporary aesthetics with its heritage charm. SPG secured its Occupation Certificate (OC) on September 19 and reopened within three days, delighting its nearly 3,000 member families.
A key highlight of the redevelopment is the launch of a women’s cricket team, reflecting the rising prominence of Indian women’s cricket. The facility includes dedicated changing rooms and restrooms for female players participating in Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) tournaments.
Founded in 1909 as the New Maharashtra Cricket Club, the institution later evolved into the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. The current clubhouse, inaugurated in 1931, expanded to 19,000 square yards by 1942. Known as the “Nursery of Indian Cricket,” SPG has produced several of India’s finest players over the decades.
For Tendulkar, SPG holds deep personal significance, as it was here he trained under legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar. With its refreshed look and renewed vision, Shivaji Park Gymkhana is set to continue inspiring future generations of cricketers while preserving its century-old legacy.
Source: The Free Press Journal
