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Good old club culture
This year is special for the Capital. It marks 100 years of the establishment of New Delhi. Here’s taking a look at three of the city’s oldest leisure clubs that were set up around that time, and stand tall, even today.
This year is special for the Capital. It marks 100 years of the establishment of New Delhi. Here’s taking a look at three of the city’s oldest leisure clubs that were set up around that time, and stand tall, even today.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club
In 1913, this was the place where Delhi’s elite rubbed shoulders and had a good time. The stylish tennis and squash courts, apart from banquet halls, drew in many moneyed revellers. The club was then called the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. Today, it has a well-stocked library, a card room, bar and restaurant with a dance floor and a lounge. It also has a swimming pool, a billiards room and a health club. Even today, it is one of the most prestigious clubs to be a part of.
The Roshanara Club
Established in 1922, this north Delhi Club was considered the classiest in those years. Built near the garden tomb of Begum Roshanara, the younger daughter of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, it was this club where the first unofficial cricket test match and the first Ranji Trophy match was held. Today, the club has a Chinese restaurant, a conference hall, and an ice-cream parlour, apart from a well-equipped sports complex.
The Chelmsford Club
This colonial-style club in Connaught Place was established in 1922. The inter-state Santosh Football Trophy was incepted in this club, in the year 1940. Today, the place has a bar and a restaurant for its members. It also has a library and a card room for those who prefer quieter pastimes. In addition, it has facilities for billiards, table tennis and badminton.