Friday, October 4, 2024

‘We’re ready!’: Indian Gymkhana eye return to Premier Division hockey

Indian Gymkhana have plans to be a Premier Division club as they look to bolster local talent

It’s unmissable in bold and red at Indian Gymkhana. A welcoming that reads “Akha Lal!”, a chant-like phrase first used in the early 1990s when the club was battling at the top and with the drop in the Men’s Premier Division. 

Loosely translated as ‘Are you ready to go?’ with reference to the red eyes of the Bengal Tiger on the club logo, Indian Gymkhana are now eyeing Premier Division riches nearly 30 years on from their last foray ahead of the Men’s Division One debut on Sunday.

Ravi Virdi was a sprightly 15-year-old back then as the 1990s dawned, in a team led by Olympic gold medallist Kulbir Bhaura. He left the club early in a season where, in 1991, Indian Gymkhana narrowly failed to win the Premier Division title, a race which went down to the final day against title winners Havant.

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6 COMMENTS

  1. When Tommy Alexander played for them, I experienced Indian Gym’s incredible friendliness and warmth plus the added bonus of the best after game ‘teas’ anywhere across all the leagues.

  2. Iain, your comment regarding best hospitality at Indian Gym being the best teas, it’s an indian tradition to look after our guests, when you’re in Birmingham next come and sample our teas at Barford Tigers, we do even better teas than our friends in London.

      • No worries Iain, any time mate. You may or may not be aware EH Nat. League from approx. 2000-10 used to have a trophy, where after the game, opposition and the umpires would vote for most hospitable and socialable club. We at Barford Tigers won that trophy on 3 occasions. So whenever you come to Brum, do let us know. Take Care.

  3. True lovers of the game will come and watch different styles of playing this great game of hockey. The flair matched against athleticism. All very dynamic in front of passionate hockey loving crowds. Then ..whatever the result …its time to return to being hosts. Food , drink and banter …a fun day out. Yes our midland friends are legendary as regards their hospitality – but we are not competing! We are proud of them.

  4. Barford Tigers hc (Birmingham) only had 4 men’s teams, only recently we’ve started 5th team, have 2 ladies, and 1 juniors, compared to some London clubs, membership wise, we’re a very small club. However our 1st X1 has been in EH National League for approx. 27 seasons. We have now acquired some land from the council to build an international standard hockey pitch with clubhouse and sportshall. This will be multi sports venture, catering for hockey, football, Kabaddi etc. So if anyone is able to support this project in any way, please go to.. Barford Tigers Sports Club.

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