Royal Willingdon Sports Club is a sports club situated in the heart of Mumbai.[1] It was one of the first clubs to admit indigenous Indians prior to Partition.[2]
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It was founded in 1918 by Lord Willingdon, the then Governor of Bombay.[2] Willingdon was refused permission to take an Indian Maharaja with him to the Bombay Gymkhana, Byculla Club and Royal Yacht Club[1] which then allowed only whites and hence decided to start a club that both Indians and Europeans could go to.[3]
Permananent membership is closed except for members sons[4][1][2] though temporary corporate memberships are open (mostly taken by expatriates). In the 1980's membership was temporarily opened but then later closed due to overwhelming demand. In 2007, membership was opened to members daughters as well, much to the casternation of some members, though a majority of committee members saw it fit to admit them as "younger people spend more money."[1] Membership applications for "ordinary members" (members sons), corporate members and "services" (civil servants) are decided by the ballotting and disciplinary committee. Mid-Day speculated that the WSC has an unspoken rule that does not allow film actors and racing professionals, including jockeys, trainers and their spouses to be individuals as "actors might create a nuisance, with their followers lingering around, and ruin the ambience and peace at the club...What is important is not the profession but the applicant's background. If the jockey is a syce's son who cannot speak seven words of English, he may be rejected."[2]
The club has an 18 hole golf course, 6 tennis courts, squash and badminton courts, health club & a swimming pool. Non-sports amenities include a formal dining room, a semi-informal dining room, a bar, a garden cafe (where children are allowed in the evening), a bakery, a members' provision and wine shop, and a plant nursery.[5]
A banquet was held there in 1954 to celebrate the first Filmfare awards ceremony. The event was attended by actor Gregory Peck.[6] One of the award winners, Bimal Roy was not allowed entry into the club for the party as he was dressed in a dhoti.[7]
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