Mumbai: Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, a site deeply embedded in the Marathi cultural and sporting ethos, witnessed yet another historic moment as the renovated Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) was inaugurated in a grand ceremony on Monday. The atmosphere inside the iconic ground was filled with enthusiasm and applause, especially as cricketing legend Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar performed the ribbon-cutting.

The inauguration was marked by loud cheers, with the audience rising to welcome Tendulkar, whose career has long been linked to Shivaji Park. Alongside him, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena UBT leader Milind Narvekar, Mahesh Sawant and other dignitaries were present to celebrate the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Tendulkar recalled his childhood memories of the park, saying, “I remember spending my childhood here. We used to come to have vada pav, but now this gymkhana is ready, and many people contributed to its creation. Raj Thackeray played an important role in getting permissions and even in shaping the design.”

The gymkhana, which remained closed for nearly a year and a half due to renovation, now sports a refreshed, modern look. Its interiors are done up in shades of Wimbledon green and beige, giving the heritage structure a contemporary touch while preserving its legacy. SPG secured its Occupation Certificate (OC) on September 19 and reopened within three days, much to the delight of its nearly 3,000 member families.

Among the major highlights of the redevelopment is the plan to launch a women’s cricket team, in line with the growing prominence of Indian women’s cricket. The management has ensured proper infrastructure, including separate changing rooms and restrooms for female players, especially those participating in Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) tournaments.

Founded in 1909 as the New Maharashtra Cricket Club, the institution later evolved into the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. The current clubhouse was first inaugurated in 1931, and by 1942, the gymkhana had expanded to its present 19,000 square yards. Over the decades, it has been known as the “Nursery of Indian Cricket,” producing some of India’s finest players.

It was here that Tendulkar began his training under the legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar. For many, SPG remains inseparable from his story, a cradle of talent that continues to shape Mumbai’s cricketing future. With its new look and renewed vision, the Shivaji Park Gymkhana is now ready to inspire generations to come.

Thane: In a major crackdown against wildlife trafficking, the Sakinaka Police successfully foiled an attempt to illegally smuggle two rare gibbon chicks on Sunday. Acting on a tip-off, the police team laid a trap and apprehended the accused while they were in possession of the endangered animals.

According to a social media X post by Mumbai Police, “Both the accused and the rescued animals have been handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Thane, for further action.”

The gibbon chicks were found unharmed and are now under proper care and rehabilitation by forest authorities. The accused are in police custody, with legal proceedings underway.

This incident follows recent seizures by Mumbai Airport Customs in August, where nearly 70 exotic wildlife animals smuggled from Bangkok were recovered in two separate cases.

Officials said some of these animals belong to endangered species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Two individuals involved in the trafficking were arrested, highlighting continued vigilance against illegal wildlife trade.

Mumbai: Mumbai began the week under heavy cloud cover on Monday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for the city and its surrounding regions. After intermittent but intense showers over the past few days, weather officials have forecast widespread rainfall across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and other parts of the Konkan belt throughout the day.

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Palghar and Sindhudurg. The alert indicates the possibility of disruptions due to waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic delays and interruptions to suburban rail services. Maximum and minimum temperatures in Mumbai are likely to hover around 29 and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively, keeping conditions cool but humid.

In Thane and Navi Mumbai, heavy showers are predicted to persist through the day. Heavy rain showers may lead to disruptions on the Central & Harbour Railway routes, which are often affected during prolonged spells of monsoon rain. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution while stepping out, especially during peak rainfall hours.

Palghar district, which has already been receiving continuous rainfall over the past two to three days, remains under a yellow alert. While some parts are likely to see moderate rain, others may experience intense downpours accompanied by strong winds. The IMD has also cautioned about damp and humid conditions prevailing across the region.

The southern Konkan districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are also bracing for another day of heavy rain. These areas, which have been dealing with waterlogging and disruptions to daily life over the past week, are expected to face similar challenges again.