Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna has added another feather to his cap with the prestigious honour of being awarded life membership by Khar Gymkhana. The award is a testament to Bopanna’s outstanding contributions to the game. Following his victory with Australian partner Matthew Ebden in the Australian Open Doubles tournament, Bopanna shot to the top of the world rankings. Throughout his illustrious career, Bopanna has showcased exceptional skill and talent and inspired aspiring tennis players nationwide.
Bopanna’s journey from grassroots tennis to international stardom has been marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. By bestowing him with life membership, Khar Gymkhana acknowledges his achievements and celebrates his role as a symbol of Indian tennis prowess. This honour is a fitting tribute to Bopanna’s remarkable career and underscores his significant impact on the sports landscape in India.
Rohan Bopanna was awarded a Life Membership by Khar Gymkhana President Vivek Devnani, accompanied by joint secretaries Sarika Dipen and Sahib Singh Lamba, during a small ceremony held in the Gymkhana hall.
Bopanna stated, “Devnani was in continuous touch with him, which is why I am here today. I am happy to be at the Gymkhana, which always honours sportspersons and encourages sports. I am honoured to receive honorary life membership of the Gymkhana.”
The president of Khar Gymkhana, Mr Vivek Devani, said in an interview with Bollywood Times 11, “The first thing I did once the Australian open-ended was get in touch with Mr Ibrahim Mirza, Sania Mirza’s father, and Mr Mahesh Bhupati together. Sania and Mahesh are good friends of mine. I, therefore, asked Mahesh and Mr Mirza to speak with Rohan Bupanna about the felicitation. Then I messaged Rohan, and within 5 minutes, Rohan replied to me. Thanks and my team will get in touch with you.”
He further said, “Khar Gymkhana has an old history of sports. In fact, I told Rohan we have a club of 97 years old. Our organization has bestowed Life Memberships upon numerous athletes, including Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Harbhajan Singh, Leander Peas, Sania Mirza, and Mahesh Bhupati. So we have got quite a few top Sportsmen in all sports to our honourable members.”
Additionally, he disclosed that actor Aamir Khan has been visiting Gymkhana since age twelve. Having begun his tennis career at Khar Gymkhana, he was the national junior tennis champion. He still visits this place whenever he has the chance to play badminton and tennis. The badminton training for actress Parineeti Chopra’s film on Saina Nehwal occurred here.
Amol Mujumdar, the coach of India’s women’s cricket team, and Jatin Paranjpe, a former national selection committee member, were also present at the event.
Source: News Desk
