gymkhana

[ jim-kah-nuh ]

/ dʒɪmˈkɑ nə /

a field day held for equestrians, consisting of exhibitions of horsemanship and much pageantry.

Also called autocross. a competition in which sports cars are timed as they travel on a closed, twisting course that requires much maneuvering.

any of various other sporting events, as a gymnastics exhibition or surfing contest.

a place where any such event is held.

Origin of gymkhana

1860–65; < Hindi gē̃dkhānā literally, ball-house (influenced by gymnastics)

The girl was quite excited about the gymkhana, and plied him with innumerable questions as to what she would have to do.

The Elephant God |Gordon Casserly
Apparently, the European population in Rangoon exists solely in order to go to the Gymkhana.

An English Girl's First Impressions of Burmah |Beth Ellis
Now the gymkhana has been quadrupled in size, and far more than quadrupled in membership.

A Civil Servant in Burma |Herbert Thirkel White
This was not the stolid-going campaign mount, but his best Irish hunter, on which he had won prizes in many a gymkhana.

The Lure of the Mask |Harold MacGrath

Howard had arranged all sorts of gymkhana sports, for which prizes were to be given.

The Sunny Side of Diplomatic Life, 1875-1912 |Lillie DeHegermann-Lindencrone

gymkhana

/ (dʒɪmˈkɑːnə) /

mainly British an event in which horses and riders display skill and aptitude in various races and contests

(esp in Anglo-India) a place providing sporting and athletic facilities

C19: from Hindi gend-khānā, literally: ball house, from khāna house; influenced by gymnasium