Mumbai’s one of the oldest clubs, Khar Gymkhana has cancelled the membership of star Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues over the complaint that her father was hosting religious conversion events. It is important to note that last year, Khar Gymkhana invited her to be a club member and use its facilities.
According to the Gymkhana officials, her club membership was cancelled after some members raised objections saying that her father, Ivan Rodrigues, was using the club premises for “religious activities”. The complaints added that her father used to organise events to “convert” the “vulnerable”.
As per the officials, her father is also a cricket coach. He used the presidential hall for almost a year and a half and held around 35 events as part of an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries.
Subsequently, on Sunday (20th October), the officials held an Annual general body meeting where they decided to cancel her membership. So far, Jemimah Rodrigues and her father have not responded to the developments.
Meanwhile, while speaking with The Indian Express, Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani confirmed the action. He told the publication, “The honorary three-year membership given to Ms Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked pursuant to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting held on October 20, 2024.”
Khar Gymkhana managing committee member Shiv Malhotra highlighted the reason for cancelling her club membership. He said, “We came to know that Jemimah Rodrigues’s father was attached to an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries. They booked the presidential hall for almost a year and a half and held 35 events. We all know what was happening there.”
Malhotra added, “We hear about conversions all over the country, but it’s happening right under our nose. There was dancing, expensive music equipment, big screens. As per Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws Rule 4A of the constitution, Khar Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity.”
Former Khar Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar said that he was informed about the “religious activity” by a staff member.
He added, “Me, Malhotra and a few other members went to see it. We saw the room was dark, trance music was playing and a lady was saying ‘He is coming to save us’. I was surprised how Gymkhana can allow this in the first place. We protested and it was decided to cancel her membership.”
Jemimah Rodrigues has played for India in 3 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 104 T20Is. She is one of the prominent faces of the Indian women’s cricket team.
