HISTORY

Deccan Gymkhana: A Legacy of Sports and Community in the Heart of Pune

Located in the heart of Pune, Deccan Gymkhana is a well-known and respected neighborhood known for its peaceful surroundings and strong sense of community. Its roots go back to the vision of Shree Bal Gangadhar Tilak, whose efforts helped shape what Deccan Gymkhana is today.

Since its early days, Deccan Gymkhana has been a place where sports and talent thrive. What started with cricket soon grew to include athletics, wrestling, and scout training around 1916–1917. One of the key supporters, Shri Bhagwat, worked hard to get Indian athletes into the Olympics. Thanks to discussions with Sir George Lloyd and Shri Dorabjee Tata, this dream became reality in 1920 when India took part in the Antwerp Olympics. Deccan Gymkhana played an important role in selecting athletes for the event, especially in wrestling and athletics.

As sports grew in popularity, so did the community around the grounds. Town planning officer Mr. Moyerson and Shri T.V. Talim worked together to design the area, reserving space for cricket fields, tennis courts, wrestling arenas, and a gymnasium. Their efforts led to the creation of the first Residential Co-operative Housing Society in the Bombay Province. During this process, an underground water source was discovered, which later became Pune’s first swimming pool in 1921.

By the late 1920s, indoor games like Billiards and Bridge were introduced. In 1931, Vanita Vishram – a women’s-only club – was established, providing a special space for women to come together and engage in sports and social activities.

Today, Deccan Gymkhana is home to over 15 sports facilities, all within one campus – a rare and valuable feature in a city like Pune. Since 1906, the hard work and vision of its founders have turned it into more than just a sports club – it’s a place where families, friends, and athletes come together. While the club continues to modernize and grow, promoting sports and supporting athletes remains its core mission.