’I remember eating Jaya and Gopal’s vada pav with my friends...’: Sachin Tendulkar during SPG inauguration ceremony

Sachin Tendulkar heaped praise on Raj Thackeray for playing a crucial role in the development of the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. The cricketer expressed happiness towards the committee for housing a dressing room for women players

Mumbaikar and Vada Pav-- a never-ending love story; Sachin Tendulkar recollects time of having vada pav in Shivaji Park

Sachin Tendulkar, Raj Thackeray, and Pravin Amre during the inauguration of Shivaji Park Gymkhana (Pic: KIRTI SURVE PARADE)

Legendary Team India batsman Sachin Tendulkar recently spoke about his childhood days when he used to have Mumbai's most famous street food item, 'vada pav' near Shivaji Park.

While speaking to the media during the inauguration ceremony of Shivaji Park Gymkhana on Monday, Tendulkar said that he is overwhelmed to witness a place where he used to eat vada pav with his friends has now turned into a gymkhana.

"I remember eating Jaya and Gopal's vada pav with my friends in the evening after our practice sessions. And now that the place has turned into a huge gymkhana gives me pleasure," said the former cricketer. Taking to X:

VIDEO | Former Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt), on the inauguration of Shivaji Park Gymkhana, says, "This ground brings back all the memories of my childhood practice sessions. Raj Thackeray was also involved in the development of this gymkhana. Separate dressing rooms… pic.twitter.com/TdnshfdXwJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 22, 2025

He also heaped praise on Raj Thackeray for playing a crucial role in the development of the Shivaji Park Gymkhana.

Further, the cricketer expressed happiness towards the committee for housing a dressing room for women players.

"What made me happier is that the management here has constructed separate changing rooms for women players. I don't think many gymkhanas have these facilities," said Sachin.

"Now that the women's cricket is reaching new heights, I urge all gymnkhanas to house a separate changing room for girls," he added.

Speaking about the gymkhana, “It is mission accomplished, but even with this opening, a new chapter begins for our historic club, one that prioritises gender opportunities, better facilities for members and expanding our member base,” explained the management. Sunil Ramchandran, assistant secretary, said, “The new look SPG is painted Wimbledon green and beige. We are also planning to start our own ladies’ cricket team".

Along with Sachin and Thackeray, former cricketer Pravin Amre was also present at the venue for the event.

"We had to find a fine balance — one that retained the historic flavour of the SPG with modernity. It is a fusion. We are now focused on gender parity and opportunity. Look at how well the Indian women’s cricket team is doing. Today, we see girls coming into town to play from Vasai-Virar. Our endeavour will be to give good, adequate changing rooms and washroom facilities to these girls when they play here at the maidan, especially for MCA tourneys," said Amre.

"We all have worked so hard to see this to fruition. Like on the sports field, it is teamwork with the SPG committee working as one and contributing, keeping all sensibilities in mind," said the 57-year-old former cricketer.