Jemimah Rodrigues' honorary membership cancelled by Mumbai's Khar Gymkhana over father's 'religious activities': Report

India's young batter Jemimah Rodrigues' honorary membership has been called by one of Mumbai's oldest clubs, Khar Gymkhana over his father Ivan's alleged "religious activities".

As per a report by the Indian Epxress, the decision was taken during an annual generating meeting on October 20. Jemimah and her father are yet to make a statement on alleged events focused to "convert" people's religion.

“The honorary three-year membership given to Ms Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked pursuant to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting held on October 20, 2024,” Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani told the English daily.

Khar Gymkhana managing committee member Shiv Malhotra revealed that in total 35 events were held by Ivan Rodrigues who is attached to an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries.

“We hear about conversions all over the country, but it’s happening right under our nose. There was dancing, expensive music equipment, big screens. As per Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws Rule 4A of the constitution, Khar Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity,” Malhotra said.

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Earlier this month, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India returned empty-handed from UAE as they failed to make it to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals. India lost to Australia and New Zealand in the group stage and could not make it to the last four.

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Mithali backs Jemimah as captain

Jemimah scored 68 runs from four innings in the mega event. She got starts but could not convert them into big scores. As India struggled on slow pitches in Dubai and faced an early exit, former India captain Mithali Raj backed Jemimah as the next skipper ahead of vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.

“It’s up to BCCI and the selectors to take a call, but if they are looking to change, this would be the ideal time because if you delay more, then we have another World Cup on the horizon (two years). If you are not doing it now, then don’t do it later. Then it is too close to the World Cup,” she was quoted as saying by PTI.

“Smriti is there, of course, and can be a choice to consider for the selectors, but I personally think someone like Jemimah—she’s 24, she’s young, she will serve you longer in the T20s, and she’s someone who I feel on the field gets that energy. She speaks to everybody. I was very impressed by her in this tournament,” the 41-year-old added.