Ahmedabad: The Sports Club of Gujarat marked its 60th opening day with a function at its Navrangpura campus. Established in 1965, the club has hosted various national and international sporting events over the decades.

On the opening day, the club remembered its first president, Chinubhai Chimanlal, who served from 1963–67, as well as other past presidents, including Jaykrishna Harivallabhdas (1967–70), Arvind Narottambhai (1971–74), and Rohit Mehta (1975), who helped establish its foundation.

The club has produced several sportspersons who have competed at national and international levels. Olympian swimmer Mana Patel trained at the club, as did billiards players Geet Sethi, Rupesh Shah, and Dhwaj Haria. ICC Chairman Jay Shah, former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev, former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, and international billiards and snooker champion Pankaj Advani are also honorary members of the club.

Notably, champion squash player Vedant Patel, who is ranked 7th nationally, was recently inducted as a playing member. The 26-year-old quit a position at Ernst & Young to focus full-time on squash. He aims to become the national champion and win a medal for the country at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

To mark the Diamond Jubilee, the club unveiled a 60-year logo, screened a documentary, and announced a calendar of sports tournaments, youth festivals, cultural programs, social service drives, and wellness initiatives.

The club also announced a new satellite facility in Chekhla, in western Ahmedabad. Planned amenities include a restaurant, café, billiards and pool room, theatre, pickleball, squash, badminton, table tennis and tennis courts, swimming pool, box cricket, event lawns, banquet spaces, residential rooms, children’s play area, library, and card rooms.

Founded in 1965, the Sports Club of Gujarat offers sporting and recreational facilities including cricket, table tennis, badminton, squash, gym, swimming pool, theatre, and banquet venues. The club also hosts events covering arts, culture, education, wellness, and civic initiatives. DeshGujarat