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

India Women’s star batter, Jemimah Rodrigues hails from Mumbai. Born in a city with madness for cricket, she rose to the echelon of Indian cricket as one of the most sought-after players. As a result, Mumbai’s prestigious Khar Gymkhana bestowed her with honorary membership for three years in 2023. But an unprecedented event has had her membership cancelled.

Jemimah’s father, Ivan Rodrigues has been accused of carrying out unauthorised religious activities on the club premises. As per the reports from The Indian Express, several club members called out Ivan for his alleged actions. During its annual general body meeting held on October 20, 2024, Khar Gymkhana decided to revoke Jemimah’s membership over her father’s conduct.

“The honorary three-year membership given to Ms Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked pursuant to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting,” Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani stated in the report.

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Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity: Shiv Malhotra

It is worth noting that, Jemimah was the first Indian Women cricketer to get honorary Khar Gymkhana membership in 2023. Her father, Ivan is also a cricket coach and is accused of using the Club’s presidential hall to conduct 35 events over the past one and a half years. The club however has a strict policy for not involving religious matters inside its premises and the same as affirmed by Shiv Malhotra, a member of Khar Gymkhana’s managing committee.

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“We came to know that Jemimah Rodrigues’ 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,” said Malhotra.

“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, the Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity,” he added.