UP: Hockey legend Mohammad Shahid’s Varanasi home among 13 bulldozed
UP: Hockey legend Mohammad Shahid’s Varanasi home among 13 bulldozed
M.U.H
29/09/202541
VARANSI: In yet another demolition drive in this Uttar Pradesh city on Sunday (September 28), the administration executed its road-widening plan, razing the three-storey ancestral house of Padma Shri Olympian Mohammad Shahid. Known globally as the “Wizard of Hockey,” Shahid brought immense pride to India with his extraordinary performance, including leading the team to a gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
The house, located in the Kachari Golghar area, was partially acquired for a 26-metre-wide road stretching from Kachari to Sandha. The Public Works Department (PWD) is constructing a four-lane road from Kachari to the Police Line intersection, which involves the demolition of 69 houses in total. Last week, 35 houses were already razed in a joint operation by the district administration and PWD.
Shahid’s brother expressed deep frustration over the demolition, saying, “We requested a short extension, but the officials refused to listen. The bulldozer was immediately brought in, and the house and the gate were destroyed. It has caused immense pain to the family.”
The family had earlier requested a memorial in Shahid’s honour, recognising his legendary status in Indian hockey. While they later accepted compensation, they reiterated the demand for a memorial to commemorate Shahid’s contributions. “It is not just a house; it is a part of our family’s history and the memory of a man who gave India glory in hockey,” Shahid’s wife said.
Local residents and affected homeowners have also raised concerns about the demolition process and compensation. Many claim that the administration has only reimbursed construction costs and ignored the actual land value. “We have lost our homes, and the compensation is far from adequate,” said a resident whose property was acquired for the road project.
Mohammad Shahid’s legacy in Indian sports remains unparalleled. Born in Varanasi, he became one of the most celebrated hockey players of the 1970s and 1980s. His speed, skill, and dribbling made him a key player in India’s victories, most notably the gold medal at the Moscow Olympics in 1980. The Indian government recognised his contribution with the Padma Shri award, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours. Shahid passed away in 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian hockey.
Despite his monumental contributions to the country and the world, the demolition of Shahid’s house has highlighted the ongoing tension between development projects and respect for cultural and historical legacies. Residents and the family alike are demanding that the government not only provide fair compensation but also create a memorial to honour one of India’s greatest sports heroes.
