Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow , July 17

On the second death anniversary of former Indian hockey captain Mohammad Shahid on July 20, his widow Parveen plans to meet the PM in New Delhi and return his awards. She is hurt at the government not keeping its word on naming a stadium or tournament after him.Shahid, one of India’s finest hockey players known for his dribbling skills, was the national team captain in 1985-86. He scored the goal that helped India win the gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He was decorated with the Arjuna Award in 1980–1981 and Padma Shri in 1986.Speaking to The Tribune, Parveen said when her 56-year-old husband passed away in Gurgaon two years ago, she was promised by then Minister of State for Sports Vijay Goel that an all-India tournament would be named after him. “Several important persons visited my house in Varanasi and promised me help. One of the promises made was that the Diesel Locomotive Works stadium in Varanasi would be re-named after my husband, who was a Class I officer with the Indian Railways.“A board with my husband’s name was hung at the DLW stadium. I was told a senior minister would formally rename the stadium. But nothing happened. The board too has been removed”, she complained. After numerous written complaints to the PM’s office in Varanasi and several futile attempts to meet the PM, who represents the Varanasi constituency, Parveen has finally decided to return the awards which, she says, mean nothing.Varanasi District Magistrate Surendra Singh, who met her on Tuesday, took note of her grievances.

Her grouse

Mohammad Shahid’s widow Parveen says govt hasn’t kept word on naming tourney/stadium after him. She now plans to meet the PM. One among India’s finest hockey players, Shahid captained the Indian team in 1985-86.