It took him 32 years to get into Delhi Gymkhana

After waiting for more than three decades, six people have been initiated into one of Delhi's oldest clubs. Interestingly enough, they had registered for the membership to the Gymkhana in 1975, but became bonafide members only this week. 

PN Khanna, a 78-year-old builder with Kailashnath & Associates, waited to become a member for 32 long years. "I have wanted to be part of the Delhi Gymkhana for the longest time. I guess there wasn't much to do, but just wait. I finally made it. Even if I am 78, I can now enjoy the tag of being a member. My countdown started four to five years back. Every now and then I used to call and find out about my status," Khanna said.

Despite the three decade-long wait, the list of membership requests keeps growing.

"We have a total strength of 5,600. We have room for new members only if a current member passes away or withdraws his membership," says a member of the Gymkhana administrative board. In most cases, it is only the senior members who are unable to enjoy the facilities of the club who withdraw their membership. Even this occurrence is rare. "There is a permanent paucity for member seats. Even so, new people keep adding to the membership requests," he added.

The current registration fees is Rs25,000. After paying this hefty deposit, most will have to wait three decades before they finally become members.