Mumbai, Sep 22 (NationPress) The renowned Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar officially inaugurated the newly refurbished Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) during a spectacular ceremony in Mumbai on Monday, drawing a large crowd that came to honor the Bharat Ratna awardee.

The historic Shivaji Park in Mumbai, a site steeped in Marathi culture and sports, celebrated a momentous occasion with the grand opening of the revitalized gymkhana. The ambiance was electric, filled with excitement and cheers, especially as master blaster Tendulkar conducted the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

In his address to the media and attendees at the gymkhana, Tendulkar reminisced, “I recall my childhood days spent here. We would come here for Vada Pav, but now, this gymkhana is ready thanks to the efforts of many contributors, including Raj Thackeray, who was instrumental in securing permissions and aiding in the design.”

“The Shivaji Park Gymkhana has embarked on its journey, and I hope that young boys and girls fully utilize the facilities available here, work diligently, practice hard, and bring pride to the gymkhana, Mumbai, and our nation. That is my wish as a cricketer,” he further stated.

Noteworthy attendees included Milind Narvekar, Raj Thackeray, Mahesh Sawant, and several other prominent figures.

It is significant to mention that Tendulkar began his cricket training under the legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar at the SPG.

Following a renovation period of nearly a year and a half, the gymkhana now boasts a modern and refreshed look. Its interiors have been redesigned with a blend of green and beige, creating a contemporary vibe while honoring its historical roots.

One of the key features of the redevelopment is the upcoming launch of a women’s cricket team, which highlights the growing prominence of women’s cricket in India. Management has ensured appropriate facilities, including dedicated changing rooms and restrooms for female athletes, particularly those competing in Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) tournaments.