Formally known as The Malleswaram Association, this is probably one of the oldest clubs in Bangalore which was established in the year 1905. Then known as Malleswaram Reading Room, it's situated on Yattiraj Mutt road in the front of a huge playground. The club got registered in the year 1934 and is spread across little over an acre.
Being the oldest association, the club has members of ages ranging from 30 to 90 years. “We have a member, S Srikantaiah, who is 92 years. He resides at Malleswaram 18th cross and visits almost everyday to relax, play cards and meet friends,” said Achutha BV, secretary of the Association.
Narasimha, who is 89 years, has been a member of this association from past 50 years. “I am an engineer and had the opportunity to be part of this association, when the building was constructed. I started loving this place as it always attracted well educated, civilised and honourable members, who have been very social, cooperative and friendly,” he said.
Distinguished personalities like badminton champion Prakash Padukone, Table Tennis player Usha Sunderraj, Cricketer GR Vishwanath, K. Nagaraj (Table Tennis Championship) are among the regular members at the association.
Facilities: The association provides in-house facilities for all kind of sports activities. The club is fully equipped with a spacious shuttle court, a three table Billiards room, a health club, modern class swimming pool, a huge tennis court and a table tennis hall.
The highlight of this association is the two lane bowling alley. There is a coach for every sports. Even outsiders can come and learn all the possible sports here with a nominal fee of `1000 onwards. Guest rooms and party halls: They have 10 guest rooms with 24-hour room service. There are multi-purpose air-conditioned party halls also which can accommodate 25 to 100 people.
Cultural Events:The association is always busy with various activities throughout the year. Girija N Rao, who heads the ladies wing and is incharge of the cultural activities said, “We have a regular calendar of events for its members, which includes variety of entertainment programmes, new year party, festival celebrations like Dasara and Diwali. We also have a Club day. We sometime have a DJ night to cater to the younger lot,” she said.
The association also conducts State and National Level tournaments and competitions in various sports and has provided a path for many prominent sportspersons to participate in national and international sports.
Apart from the regular sports activities, they also have card and snooker tournaments.
Besides cultural activities, every year the association honours senior people, who are members of the club.
