Home of Padma Shri Olympian Mohammad Shahid demolished in U.P.

September 30, 2025 by News Desk

The ancestral home of Padma Shri Olympian Mohammad Shahid, India’s famed “Wizard of Hockey,” was demolished on September 28 in Varanasi’s Kachari Golghar area as part of a road-widening project.

The three-storey house made way for a 26-metre-wide, four-lane road connecting Kachari to the Police Line intersection, executed by the Public Works Department (PWD).

The project, which affects 69 houses in total, has already seen 35 homes demolished last week.

Shahid, who led India to a gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, is remembered for his speed, dribbling skills, and pivotal contributions to Indian hockey. Awarded the Padma Shri, he brought international acclaim to the country before his passing in 2016.

Shahid’s family expressed deep anguish over the demolition. His brother said their request for a short extension was ignored, while his wife highlighted the home’s sentimental significance, representing both family history and Shahid’s legacy.

The family had also requested a memorial to honor Shahid’s contributions. While compensation was accepted, they stressed the need for a tribute to the hockey legend. Local residents echoed concerns, criticizing the demolition process and noting that compensation only covers construction costs, excluding land value. “The compensation doesn’t reflect our loss,” one homeowner said.

The demolition has sparked a wider debate on balancing urban development with the preservation of cultural and historical legacies. Residents and Shahid’s family are calling on the government to provide fair compensation and establish a memorial to honor the enduring legacy of India’s hockey icon.