‘It is not a madrassa’: Mumbai’s Islam Gymkhana bans rummy – Times of India

MUMBAI: The 129-year-old sea-facing Islam Gymkhana near Marine Drive, a popular sports hub and centre for socio-cultural activities, is in the eye of a storm after its president Yusuf Abrahni banned rummy and other card games on its premises.
Claiming that some members indulged in gambling while playing rummy, Abrahni closed the card room on Friday, which was Eid-e-Milad or Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary. The dissenting members have alleged that “a very religious” Abrahni is changing the gymkhana’s “liberal” character and turning it into a “madrassa”.
“If Abrahni knew that some members gambled at the gymkhana, why didn’t he lodge a police complaint?” asked Ishtiaq Ali, a member. “It is a club, not a madrassa. He should not play the religion card.”
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Defending his decision, Abrahni, also a former Congress MLA, said: “We encourage all games and sports, but some members, in the name of playing rummy or cards, gambled. Our records show that there were five guests for one member at the cards room.”
“Ever since I took over as president last year, we have added over a dozen games, including tennis, badminton, volleyball, a women’s recreation section, a modern gym, jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna bath and spa. Those who say I have turned it into a madrassa should explain which madrassa has spa and steam bath facilities,” he said, adding that a swimming pool is in the pipeline and its multi-purpose turf hosts football, volleyball and cricket matches.
But Asif Farooqui, another Islam Gymkhana member, said: “If they want to stop gambling, they should do it. But preventing members, especially senior citizens, from playing cards is wrong. It will send a wrong message.” Many non-Muslims are also gymkhana’s members, he added.
In the 1890s, the British gave sea-facing plots along Marine Lines to build six gymkhanas to promote sports and games. Parsi, Islam, Hindu, Catholic, Police and Grant Medical College Gymkhanas came up on the plots leased by the city collector. Spread over 3.5 acres or 19,300 sq m, Islam Gymkhana has hosted several cricket matches where legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar have played. The gymkhana team has also produced many Ranji players, said a member of the Mumbai Cricket Association. Islam Gymkhana’s banquet hall and a portion of the ground have hosted several glitzy parties and wedding receptions.