gymkhana

American  

[jim-kah-nuh] / dʒɪmˈkɑ nə /

noun

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

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

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

4. a place where any such event is held.

---

gymkhana British  

/ dʒɪmˈkɑːnə /

noun

1. an event in which horses and riders display skill and aptitude in various races and contests

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

---

Etymology

Origin of gymkhana

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

Example Sentences

The famous Bollywood actor, the late Feroz Khan, once asked a gymkhana club in Mumbai for membership, only to be politely refused, as they didn't admit actors.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

Pastrana is a racing legend, having bounced among race disciplines including motocross, rally racing and, more recently, gymkhana, which features an obstacle course of sorts and plenty of drifting, spinning and technical work.

From Washington Post • Feb. 15, 2023

Audi’s new performance E-Tron will make a starring appearance in Block’s latest production dubbed Elektrikhana, a play of words between electric and gymkhana, the drifting motorsport with obstacles.

From The Verge • Aug. 9, 2022

Horse-lovers will be well catered for, with a Victorian gymkhana and the chance to visit the stable and see the grooms preparing the equine participants in the May Day parade.

From The Guardian • May 4, 2013

Joan had been a champion horse-jumper at the annual college gymkhana, and I wondered if she had been sleeping in a stable.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath