Aslam Sher Khan Disappointed Over Delay in Obaidullah Cup Revival

Former Indian hockey stalwart Aslam Sher Khan has voiced strong disappointment over the lack of progress in reviving the prestigious Obaidullah Gold Cup, a tournament he calls an integral part of Bhopal’s sporting heritage. Khan, a key member of India’s 1975 World Cup-winning team, has alleged bureaucratic apathy as the main reason behind the stalled efforts.

Speaking to the media, Khan expressed dismay at the Madhya Pradesh government’s silence on the issue. “Obaidullah Cup is not just a tournament — it’s a part of Bhopal’s identity and hockey history. I fail to understand why it is not being revived with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

Khan, who heads the committee tasked with overseeing the revival of the tournament, said multiple attempts had been made to engage with state officials. “We sent several emails to the state’s Director of Sports and Bhopal’s Commissioner, but there has been no response so far,” he added.

The Obaidullah Gold Cup, once a premier event in India’s domestic hockey calendar, attracted top national and international talent before it was discontinued. Efforts have been underway for years to bring the tournament back, especially considering Madhya Pradesh’s growing prominence as a sports hub.

Khan believes that the tournament’s revival could significantly boost hockey in the region and offer young players a vital platform to showcase their talent. He urged the state government to take immediate steps to restore the legacy of the Obaidullah Cup.

“This is not just about one tournament. It’s about honoring our past, inspiring the next generation, and strengthening India’s grassroots hockey ecosystem,” he said.