From a beach shack to ballroom dance: Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias to celebrate a century of glorious existence

Goa Khabar : Goa’s iconic Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, founded in the mid-1920s as a humble bamboo-mat shack for beach outings along Miramar Beach, has since evolved into a distinguished social and sporting hub for Panaji’s elite. A cherished venue for bridge, trouque, 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 it marks its centenary in April 2025, the club embraces the theme ‘Where club culture binds generations,’ as it attempts to create a bond with the 2400-plus existing club members in Goa and across the globe. 

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 Panaji’s hidden alleys and fun activities, including a Children’s Day Christmas dance event, complete the yearlong festivities.

The highlight of the year-long festivities 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 venerated 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 Clube currently has affiliations with 130-plus similar clubs in India and more than 10 clubs around the world. 

The Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias’ centenary year launches on April 1, 2025, with the Hon’ble Governor of Goa P S Sreedharan Pillai as the Chief Guest and Hon’ble Dr Justice Ferdino I. Rebello, Chief Justice, High Court of Allahabad (Retd.) as the Guest of Honour will inaugurate 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 part of this once-in-a-lifetime centenary celebration,” said Clube secretary Tanmay Kholkar.