Khar Gymkhana revokes membership of Jemimah Rodrigues amid religious allegations

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has been embroiled in a controversy after her three-year honorary membership of the Khar Gymkhana, one of Mumbai’s oldest clubs, was cancelled. On October 20, club members voted to revoke his membership, alleging that his father, Ivan Rodrigues, engaged in religious activities and tried to convert others on the club’s premises. Committee member Shiv Malhotra stated, “We are proud of her and she is bringing laurels to the country, but her father held almost 35 meetings at the club in a room that remained reserved for over a year.” The meetings were organized by Brother Manuel Ministries, which violated Rule 4A of the club’s constitution, which prohibits religious activities. Malhotra further claimed, “His father misused the privilege”, stressing that the gymnasium usually offers sports membership and has prominent athletes like PV Sindhu and Leander Paes as its associates. Club president Vivek Devnani confirmed the cancellation but dismissed allegations of preferential treatment for Jemimah, suggesting the allegations are politically motivated ahead of the club’s upcoming election. Jemimah’s family has yet to respond to the allegations, but the controversy highlights the intersection of sports, community values ​​and religious activities.