Khar Gym Says, “We Expected Hardik Pandya To Set An Example Like Tendulkar, Bhupati And Paes”

This is what Joint Secretary of Khar Gymkhana, Gaurav Kapadia has to say about the cancellation of Hardik Pandya’s membership

Vickey Lalwani

Tue Jan 15 2019, 21:19:06 45773 views
We bet this fact will raise eyebrows, much like Hardik Pandya’s objectionable statements on Koffee With Karan 6. A while ago, we told you that it was the furore on our social media that compelled authorities at Khar Gymkhana to revoke the cricketer’s Honorary membership. Joint Secretary of Khar Gymkhana, Gaurav Kapadia told us, “There was a furore on our social media. A lot of ladies felt that if they would be working out at the gym they wouldn't be comfortable with somebody having such thoughts around, ditto at other places. The voice grew stronger and we called for a meeting (attended by more than 20 people) wherein all members unanimously felt that Hardik's membership should be revoked.”

During the same conversation, Kapadia told us that Hardik was made a member in continuation with other similar members like Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes and Sachin Tendulkar. “He was in their category and they continue to be members. We expected his code of conduct to be like the examples that have been set. He should have thought twice before making those (sexist) statements (on Koffee With Karan 6).”

Talking about cancelling Pandya’s Khar Gymkhana membership, Kapadia had told Times of India yesterday, "We gave him the honorary membership, which we give to sportspersons of national level, because he was doing some rehab in our neighbourhood. In the wake of this controversy — we’ve a social media handle where we have around 4,000 members on Facebook — there was a huge outcry and a lot of members, especially a lot of women members, were upset and felt that the club should take some step. So, we had a managing committee meeting today (Monday) evening, in which we unanimously decided that we’re revoking his honorary membership." This step came in days after Hardik lost out on a big brand endorsement owing to the controversy – Gillette. 

Being in the category of Paes, Tendulkar and Bhupati is fine but Kapadia meant sportspersons. But surely, Hardik, you are not in their league, not even remotely near to them. Oops! Did that hurt?


Image Source:- Instagram/hardikpandya93,headtopics,newsnation,mumbailive

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