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A Club of Class

By on February 19, 2018
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A Club of Class

With its recent makeover and more plans for the future, Panjim Gymkhana has turned from being a simple space that nurtured Goa’s best cricketers to one of the most stunning sports clubs in the country

Few cities have gorgeous cricket grounds in the heart of the city. And fewer still a beautiful river flowing past it. Panjim Gymkhana is with a unique case in point, fulfilling both conditions.

Nestled by the meandering Mandovi in the picturesque Campal area of the state capital lies this splendid club, the nursery of Goa's budding cricketers.

Panjim Gymkhana was a dream of Goa's first chief minister Dayanand ‘Bhausaheb’ Bandodkar – which he set up in 1963 – shortly before taking charge of the then Union Territory. It has now gone through complete metamorphosis and can certainly be counted as one of the best clubs in the country in its new avatar.

The idea of revamping Panjim Gymkhana came about when the new committee took charge in 2012. They fulfilled the need for a world-class sports complex under the leadership of businessman Manoj Caculo. The dynamic committee took the initiative of transforming the club, and with the support of members and donors, the mission was completed.

An ideal club offers a mix of good sports and leisure facilities. Once all the planned infrastructure and amenities are complete, Panjim Gymkhana will fulfill these to the 'T'. With recent upgradation of existing facilities and the addition of more, it can surely be counted among the most exclusive clubs in the country and definitely the best in the state.
Arguably the biggest club in Goa, Panjim Gymkhana now offers state-of-the-art sports facilities for badminton, tennis (flood lit) and swimming. Other facilities available are table tennis and pool. The second phase will see the addition of recreational activities including 
a health club, gymnasium, squash court, cards room and billiards room. However, Panjim Gymkhana’s priority will always be the ‘Gentlemen’s game’, and by the end of the year, a beautiful cricket ground will be in place to take the city’s sports journey to greater heights. To top it all, there is ample parking in the enclosure.

Campal has become a hub of sports with the indoor stadium, swimming pool and sports ground by the Sports Authority of Goa, as well as the upgraded gymkhana.

Panjim Gymkhana is the nursery of budding cricketers, with many making a name for themselves and going on to represent the state. However, the city is yet to give Goa a cricket representative at the international level. The only Goan cricketer who has represented India in test cricket is Dilip Sardesai, who hailed from Margao, but had to relocate to Mumbai for greener pastures.


Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.
Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.

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