Anyone who's visited Miramar Beach, a short distance from Goa's capital city of Panjim, would have seen the impressive Clube Tennis premises, practically on the beach.
Established in the mid-1920s as a modest bamboo shack for beach gatherings at Miramar Beach, Goa’s renowned Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias has grown into a distinguished social and sporting center for Panjim's elite.
A cherished venue for bridge, lively banter and tennis, the club now embarks on its centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of rich heritage, starting April 2025.
Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, one of Goa’s oldest social clubs, has witnessed the State’s journey from colonial rule to its full-fledged status as India’s 25th state.
As the club marks its centenary in April 2025, it embraces the theme ‘Where club culture binds generations,’ as it attempts to create a bond with the 2,400-plus existing club members in Goa and across the globe.
ABOUT THE CELEBRATIONS
Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias' centenary celebrations will feature awareness sessions and competitions on themes like ‘Wealth from Waste,’ in collaboration with the Directorate of Education and Goa Science Centre.
Old-school community events like kite-flying for children and sandcastle building for parents will be held at Miramar beach in association with the Tourism Department.
A photography contest with the Goa Union of Journalists, treasure hunts exploring Panjim's hidden alleys and fun activities, including a Children's Day Christmas dance event, complete the year-long festivities.
The highlight of the year-long celebrations involves a series of monthly and socially relevant events, including an informative lecture series by well-known domain experts from Goa, as well as from the national arena.
Reflecting on the significance of the club turning 100, the institution's president, Sunil Kumar Naik, said, “It is a privilege to lead the club into its centenary celebrations. We have constantly strived to uphold the energy and dedication of our predecessors, and I am proud to say that we continue to steer the club in the right direction.”
The club currently has affiliations with 130-plus similar clubs in India and more than 10 clubs around the world.
Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias' centenary year kicks off on April 1, 2025, with the Governor of Goa P S Sreedharan Pillai as the chief guest; and Justice Ferdino I Rebello, Chief Justice, High Court of Allahabad (Retd) as the guest of honour inaugurating the celebrations.
Highlights include the return of the Mega Noite de Gaspar and a unique collaboration with century-old clubs like Clube Vasco da Gama, Clube Nacional, Clube Harmonia, BPS Club, and Moira Club, culminating in the Grand Club Day in March 2026 and a formal dance finale in April.
Events will be held with the Directorate of Education, Directorate of Archives, Traffic Cell (Goa Police), Directorate of Tourism, Goa Union of Journalists, Goa Science Centre and Goa Philatelic and Numismatic Society. The club will also launch a special centenary logo on the occasion.
In its centenary year, the club will keep its calendar packed with weekly in-house games like Housie, Whist Drive, Ladies Evenings and Karaoke Nights, blending celebration with tradition.
Special Christmas and Diwali events will feature an orchestra, rangoli, cooking competitions and diya painting. As a unique centenary highlight, anyone in the Tiswadi taluka celebrating a 100th birthday or event can use a club hall for free (subject to availability).
Honouring senior citizens, the club will also host competitions like the ‘Art of Letter Writing.’
“Our centenary celebrations are a testament to our commitment to excellence and our enduring legacy. As one of Goa’s oldest sporting and social institutions, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias welcomes members and the wider community to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime centenary celebration,” said Clube Tennis secretary, Tanmay Kholkar.