4256) 150th ANNIVERSARY OF BOMBAY GYMKHANA, Bharat/India: Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a postage stamp of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) celebrating the milestone: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 13.12.2025:
Established on 19 June 1875 as one of India’s oldest and most prestigious private members’ clubs, Bombay Gymkhana has been a silent witness to the city’s transformation for a century and a half. What began as an exclusive institution has evolved into a vibrant hub of athletic and social activity while retaining its timeless heritage.
With its rich tradition and history, Bombay Gymkhana stands as a distinguished sporting institution and has hosted numerous iconic events over the decades. Its lovely heritage building, centred around a gracious veranda, reflects classic architectural aesthetics, including high ceilings, Burma teak wood beams, wide veranda, and ornamental ironwork.
A significant milestone in Indian cricket history unfolded in December 1933 when Bombay Gymkhana hosted India’s first-ever Test match on home soil against England. The match was monumental not only for its sporting importance but also for its cultural impact. During this historic game, Indian cricket legend Lala Amarnath scored India’s first Test century—a moment of immense national pride.
The enthusiastic crowds in attendance reflected India’s growing passion for the sport and established Bombay Gymkhana as a landmark in the country’s cricketing journey.
The club offers an extensive range of
top-quality sports facilities. Its historic cricket ground remains a
centrepiece, complemented by a versatile football ground used for football, rugby,
major tournaments, and formerly the iconic Aga Khan Hockey Tournament—recognised
as the world’s second-oldest hockey event. Racket sports flourish with three
refurbished badminton courts that host state and national events; five squash courts
that stage major tournaments and five synthetic tennis courts,
now further enhanced by a newly added padel court.
The club also features a swimming pool used for training, recreation, and galas; a world-class billiards and snooker room that hosts All India tournaments and selection trials; a dedicated bridge room for regular play and inter-club events; and a modern, fully equipped fitness centre. Polo has seen a remarkable revival with the return of the historic 1882 Bombay Polo Challenge Cup and the recent Arena Polo Championship; both held on the football ground. Mahjong, too, continues to grow steadily with regular sessions and successful internal and inter-club tournaments.
Present Day:
-
Today, Bombay Gymkhana is not merely a
private sports club but a living symbol of sporting excellence and cosmopolitan
spirit. In a city marked by rapid urbanisation and dynamic lifestyles, it
remains an oasis of tradition, discipline, and camaraderie.
As the club embarks on the next chapter of its journey, it continues to uphold its founding principles, nurturing the spirit of sportsmanship and community for generations to come.
The Postage Stamp:
-Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a commemorative postage stamp to commemorate 150 years of Bombay Gymkhana’s sporting and cultural excellence.
The First Day Cover (FDC)
TECHNICAL DATA
Date of Stamp issue: 13.12.2025
Denomination: 500p (or Rs.5/-)
No. of Stamps Printed:
305,100 pieces
Printing Process: Wet
Offset
Printer: Security Printing
Press, Hyderabad
Links to posts on Hindi on this Blog:
Links:
Links to Posts on Buddha on this Blog:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
3) Did You Know Series (116): 1) An elephant named Mohini guided by her mahavat Dilshad and helper Sonu, was the one to carry the Special Philatelic Covers from Siddharth Enclave to Buddhapex-25 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: 2) The Taming of the Mad Elephant Nalagiri by thed Buddha in Buddhist Literature: Date/Year of Special Philatelic Cover issue: 10.07.2025
Links to posts on alternative medicines:
International Philately Exhibitions:
7) HAFNIA 24, Copenhagen, Denmark: Celebrating 400 Years of Danish Post: India Post participated in the Stamp Exhibition held from 17.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 with two Special Covers
Links to Posts on Buddha on this Blog:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
Greetings:
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) POST CARDS:
World Earth Day:
Posts on G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi on this Blog:
Posts on "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on this Blog:
AMRITPEX 2023 (THE NATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION) held at New Delhi from 11-15.02.2023:
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Five Special Covers released by Philately Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi:
Links to Special Covers issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post:
38) 22nd Battalion: The Rajput Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebration (1966-2018): A Special Postal Cover brought out by India Post (56 APO) on 01.10.2018
Links to posts on Hindi on this Blog:
Links:
Links to Posts on Buddha on this Blog:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
3) Did You Know Series (116): 1) An elephant named Mohini guided by her mahavat Dilshad and helper Sonu, was the one to carry the Special Philatelic Covers from Siddharth Enclave to Buddhapex-25 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: 2) The Taming of the Mad Elephant Nalagiri by thed Buddha in Buddhist Literature: Date/Year of Special Philatelic Cover issue: 10.07.2025
Links to posts on alternative medicines:
International Philately Exhibitions:
7) HAFNIA 24, Copenhagen, Denmark: Celebrating 400 Years of Danish Post: India Post participated in the Stamp Exhibition held from 17.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 with two Special Covers
Links to Posts on Buddha on this Blog:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
Greetings:
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) POST CARDS:
World Earth Day:
Posts on G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi on this Blog:
Posts on "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on this Blog:
AMRITPEX 2023 (THE NATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION) held at New Delhi from 11-15.02.2023:
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Five Special Covers released by Philately Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi:
Links to Special Covers issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post:
38) 22nd Battalion: The Rajput Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebration (1966-2018): A Special Postal Cover brought out by India Post (56 APO) on 01.10.2018
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
4) Sinhagad Fort: A Special Cover brought out by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2017 5)"Brave Fighter Narvir Shivaji Kashid": A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 05.05.2016: includes The Defence of Panhalgarh and the legendary Battle of Pawan Khind


No comments:
Post a Comment