Jemimah Rodrigues’ honorary Khar Gymkhana membership revoked over father’s alleged religious practices

Mumbai is home to Jemimah Rodrigues, the standout batter for the Indian women’s team. Having grown up in a cricket-mad city, she became one of the most sought-after players in Indian cricket. Consequently, in 2023, she was granted honorary membership for three years by Mumbai’s esteemed Khar Gymkhana. However, her membership has been terminated due to an extraordinary incident.

Ivan Rodrigues, Jemimah’s father, has been charged with conducting unlawful religious activities on the club’s property. Several club members criticised Ivan for his alleged behaviour, according to reporting from The Indian Express. Because of her father’s behaviour, Khar Gymkhana decided to cancel Jemimah’s membership at its annual general body meeting on October 20, 2024.

Vivek Devnani, the president of Khar Gymkhana, wrote in the report, “A resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting revoked the honorary three-year membership given to Ms Jemimah Rodrigues.”

Any religious activity is prohibited in Gymkhana: Shiv Malhotra

It is noteworthy that in 2023, Jemimah became the first female Indian cricket player to receive honorary membership at the Khar Gymkhana. Ivan, her father and a cricket instructor, is charged with organising 35 events in the Club’s presidential hall during the previous 18 months. However, Shiv Malhotra, a member of the governing committee of Khar Gymkhana, has confirmed that the club has a clear policy against discussing religious matters on its property.

We learnt that the father of Jemimah Rodrigues was affiliated with Brother Manuel Ministries. They hosted 35 events and reserved the presidential hall for over a year and a half. “Everyone knows what was going on there,” Malhotra remarked.

“Conversions are occurring right in front of our eyes, but we hear about them all over the nation. There were large screens, dancers, and pricey musical instruments.

Also Read: 3 intriguingly unknown details about Jemimah Rodrigues that you should be aware of

According to the constitution’s Rule 4A and the bylaws of Khar Gymkhana, the Gymkhana forbids any religious activity,” he continued.