For Rahul Johri, The Saturday Club is second home. After all, the current president of the prestigious club has been part of it for the last 50 years. From having grown up in the club to representing the swimming team as a teenager, and from introducing new sports as sports convener to helming the club and making modern additions, life has come full circle for Johri. A quick chat with a sporty and extremely humble man. Excerpts:
For how long have you been the president of the club?
I have been elected as the president of The Saturday Club on September 28, 2022.
How has the journey been so far?
The journey as president of this prestigious institution where I have grown up as a child has been a wonderful experience.
What has been the area of focus for you?
My area of focus has been to make the club member-friendly and increase member participation and improvise on facilities for them. We have found a good tenant for the space which was vacant for the last five years. We now have the club app, which is being appreciated by members.
A lot of events have been organised since September 2022 in your tenure. Which one do you remember most fondly?
All events of the club during my tenure as president so far have been memorable and I will remember each of them with fondness. Be it the Sargi Meet, the Diwali Show, Christmas Eve with B Praak, New Year’s Eve with Abhiijeet Saawant, the Halloween Night, The Saturday Club Cricket League or the recently concluded 46th Inter Club Sports Carnival where we were the champions yet again. And of course, I must say a big thank you to The Telegraph for associating with us for almost all the events of the club.
The Saturday Club is known for its sports facilities and tournaments. How has this section grown under you?
Yes, The Saturday Club is a sports club and we have added new sports events like chess and poker in the Sports Carnival this year along with cricket, which was earlier played as a non-carnival event. The Saturday Club Cricket League, in its fourth year, has become more popular amongst our members. We now have the Badminton League, Squash League, Darts League, and league matches in all other sports, which are being well appreciated by members. My personal connection with Saturday Club’s sports goes back to when I was a teenager and I represented the club in swimming. As a sports convener, I introduced two new sports — chess and poker — and the icing on the cake is, as president The Saturday Club won the Inter Club Sports Carnival.
Is there any section in which you think your club needs more attention and support from the members?
Members’ support has always been for the club but it would benefit the club in the long run, which in turn would benefit our future generations as well, if the club membership is opened.
When not working as the president, what else keeps you busy?
My work and my adorable grandchildren.
For how long have you been a member of the club?
I have been a member of the club since 1989 but I have grown in the club as my parents have been members since 1973. Therefore, I have been a part of the club for 50 years and hence for me it’s my second home.
What are your future plans for the club?
I want The Saturday Club to be a club with traditions and also technology.