One of Goa’s most iconic social clubs, the Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, on Tuesday (April 1), launched its centenary celebrations, announcing a special series of events to commemorate the rare landmark at a function in the state capital.
The Club’s centenary celebrations commenced with a grand inaugural event with the Governor of Goa, P.S. Sreedharan Pillai as the chief guest and Dr Justice Ferdino I. Rebello, Chief Justice, High Court of Allahabad (Retd.) as the guest of honour.
One of Goa’s oldest social clubs, which was established in the mid-1920s as a simple bamboo-mat beach shack along Miramar Beach, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias has become one of Goa’s most distinguished social and sporting institutions over the course of the century. As it marks the beginning of its centenary year in April 2025, the Club that has celebrated a century of fostering community spirit, cultural engagement and sportsmanship has witnessed the region’s transformation from colonial rule to its present-day identity as India’s 25th state.
“The celebration of 100 years is always a very important occasion for any institution. It shows the genuine will to take forth the objectives of an institution in the right zeal. I ardently hope that this rich legacy will be carried forward to the next century. My best wishes to all the club members on this historic occasion,” Pillai said at the inaugural event, during which he formally announced the commencement of the Club’s centenary celebrations.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Rebello recalled his early days as a member of the venerable Miramar-based legacy institution. “Nearly 50 years ago, I stood in this hall to raise a toast at the wedding of a young lawyer. My only pretence of being invited perhaps was my status as an ex-MLA, though I had a few juniors in my chamber. Fifty years from now, I raise a toast to the centenary of my club, greyer, wiser and with a lifetime of experience,” the retired High Court judge Chief Justice said at the inaugural event that was held at the Club’s premises in Miramar.
Tanmay Kholkar, the Club’s secretary, Yogesh Nadkarni, acting president and Sanjeev V. Sardesai, chairman of the Club’s centenary celebrations, were present at the inaugural event.
Embracing the theme ‘Where Club Culture Binds Generations,’ the centenary celebrations aim to strengthen bonds with over 2,400 club members across Goa and beyond. The club also maintains affiliations with over 130 clubs in India and more than 10 international clubs.
The year-long festivities will feature events that blend tradition with modern relevance. Awareness programmes and competitions on ‘Wealth from Waste’, kite-flying and sandcastle-building at Miramar beach will also be held as part of the centenary celebrations in association with various partner organisations.
Additionally, a photography contest in association with the Goa Union of Journalists, treasure hunts exploring Panaji’s historic bylanes and a Children’s Day, Christmas party will add vibrancy to the celebrations.
A significant highlight of the centenary year is an informative lecture series featuring renowned experts from Goa and across India, ensuring intellectual engagement alongside cultural festivities. A much-anticipated feature of the celebrations is the revival of the Mega Noite de Gaspar. A unique collaboration with other century-old clubs such as Clube Vasco da Gama, Clube Nacional, Clube Harmonia, BPS Club and Moira Club will be done for sports. The festivities will culminate with a valedictory function on March 31, 2026.
Throughout the year, the club will continue its tradition of weekly in-house activities such as Housie, Whist Drive, Ladies Evenings and Karaoke Nights.
Festive occasions like Christmas and Diwali will be celebrated with an orchestra, rangoli competitions, cooking contests and diya painting. As a special centenary initiative, Tiswadi residents celebrating their 100th birthday or anniversary will be offered a club hall free of charge (subject to availability). Further honouring senior citizens, the club will introduce engaging competitions like The Art of Letter Writing to celebrate timeless traditions.
