Jemimah Rodrigues Loses Gymkhana Membership Over Father’s Religious Events Controversy!
Mumbai – Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has found herself in an unexpected controversy after her honorary membership at Mumbai's prestigious Khar Gymkhana was revoked. The cancellation of her three-year membership came after objections were raised regarding her father, Ivan Rodrigues, allegedly holding religious activities on the club’s premises. According to a report in The Indian Express, the decision was taken at the Gymkhana’s annual general body meeting on October 20, 2024, after complaints from several members.
Jemimah, one of India’s standout women cricketers, had been granted the honorary membership in 2023, marking her as the first Indian female cricketer to receive this distinction at Khar Gymkhana. However, the involvement of her father in activities that allegedly contravened the club’s rules has now led to the cancellation.
Religious Activities at the Club: The Issue Unfolds
The controversy stems from Ivan Rodrigues’ use of the presidential hall at the Gymkhana for over a year and a half, during which he reportedly held 35 events under the banner of an organization called Brother Manuel Ministries. Several members raised concerns, alleging that the events were part of an attempt to "convert the vulnerable." As per Khar Gymkhana’s Rule 4A, the club does not permit any religious activities on its premises.
Shiv Malhotra, a member of Khar Gymkhana’s managing committee, confirmed these claims. “We became aware of Ivan Rodrigues’ involvement with this ministry and the events held at the club. There was dancing, expensive sound systems, and big screens during these events. This is strictly prohibited by our rules,” he said. Malhotra further added that the matter of religious conversions raised alarm among members, prompting an investigation and the eventual decision to revoke Jemimah’s membership.
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The Events that Led to the Membership Cancellation
Former Khar Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar revealed that the issue was brought to his attention by a staff member. Along with other members, Gadekar attended one of the events and was disturbed by what he witnessed. “The room was dark, there was trance music playing, and a woman was saying, ‘He is coming to save us.’ It was surprising that such an event could happen in the Gymkhana. We immediately protested, and it was decided to cancel Jemimah’s membership,” Gadekar explained.
Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani issued a formal statement, confirming the cancellation. "The honorary membership granted to Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked following a resolution passed by the members at the general meeting," Devnani said.
Jemimah Rodrigues' Cricket Career
Jemimah Rodrigues has represented India in all three formats of international cricket, earning a reputation as one of the key players in the women’s team. She has played 3 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 104 T20Is, amassing 235, 710, and 2,142 runs, respectively. Most recently, she was part of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in the UAE, where India was eliminated in the group stages.
Despite this controversy, Jemimah remains a celebrated athlete and a role model for many young cricketers. Her father's activities, however, have caused a stir, leading to debates over the intersection of personal conduct and public membership at prominent institutions like Khar Gymkhana.
As the matter unfolds, the decision to cancel her membership continues to garner attention both within the cricketing community and beyond.
