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A sporting initiative
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The Coronation Club at Mattancherry aims to promote sports at several levels.
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Pic. by Mahesh Harilal
THE CORONATION Club in Mattancherry was started in 1911. The club takes its name from the Grand Coronation Durbar that was held in Delhi in 1911 to celebrate the coronation of King George V. Abdul Sathar Haji Moosa Sait, who was a businessman and a former president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce was the founder of the club. Its current president is Javeed Hashim.
"The club is situated on land donated by the Maharaja of Cochin," informs Jayanand M. Kilikar, vice-president of the club. "It is our aim to promote sports at several levels," he adds. "The club was instrumental in giving free membership and promoting badminton internationals like Jaison Xavier and Markose Bristow," says Mr. Kilikar. Billiards is also a very prominent game here and there are few aficionados who have not heard of P. K.V. Menon, the billiards marker at the club.
Currently, cards games are also given importance at the club. "The cards room is well attended," says Jitendra N. Ruparel, secretary of the club. Other indoor games of prominence here include chess and carom. A health club, with the latest equipment, has come up in the premises, complete with steam bath facilities.
"A multi-purpose court that can be used for basketball and roller skating is also on the premises," says Junaid Sulaiman, committee member. Coaching facilities for badminton, billiards and roller-skating are available at the Coronation Club and more than 300 students avail of them. The television room here is being renovated and the canteen is also being given a facelift.
Membership
"Membership is available to all those of good standing," says Mr. Kilikar. There has to be one to propose and four members to second the membership application, which is then forwarded to the screening committee. This is then passed on to the managing committee, which takes the final decision. Currently, the club has about 365 members.
A life member is required to pay Rs. 40,000 while an ordinary member pays Rs. 22,250 plus Rs. 90 per month. Sports members are required to pay Rs. 2,000 initially and then Rs. 90 per month thereafter. State level champions in various disciplines are given honorary sports memberships. Students from members' families can obtain student membership after paying an entry fee of Rs. 500 followed by Rs. 50 per month. A temporary membership can be obtained for three months by paying Rs. 2,250. Membership is open to ladies over the age of 18. Guests are not allowed to avail of the services at the club for more than eight days.
Future plans
Speaking of the future plans of the club, Mr. Kilikar says steps have been taken to improve all facilities. "We are planning to have affiliations with major clubs. Lodging facilities are to be improved with the addition of eight rooms. There are also proposals for the addition of a banquet hall. The canteen facilities will be upgraded and a family restaurant is to be introduced," says Mr. Kilikar.
The club is likely to host games like `housie' on Sundays and speakers are to be invited to talk on various interesting subjects. A small library is likely to be added and plans have been drawn up to build a swimming pool. Mr. Kilikar adds that the club "will celebrate all the major festivals in addition to the club day to give the club a truly cosmopolitan culture."
AJAY MENON
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