A shocking theft has rocked the Indian sporting community after the 1980 Moscow Olympic gold medal won by former India hockey captain MM Somaya was stolen from his Bengaluru residence. Along with the historic Olympic medal, three other international medals from the Asian Games and Champions Trophy were also taken by unidentified burglars.
The incident took place in the early hours of October 28 at Somaya's residence in New Thippasandra, Bengaluru. The 67-year-old former hockey star was away with his family at his ancestral home in Kodagu when the burglary occurred. The thieves reportedly took advantage of the vacant house to carry out the robbery.
According to the police complaint, two unidentified men broke open the main entrance and entered the house at around 2:34 am. CCTV footage from a neighbouring property reportedly captured the suspects. One was wearing a blue shirt, while the other was dressed in red.
At around 7:15 am, neighbours noticed that the house door had been left open and informed Somaya. The family subsequently examined the CCTV footage and discovered that a burglary had taken place.
Four Historic International Medals Missing
The stolen items include four significant sporting medals from Somaya's career.
These are:
* Gold medal from the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.
* Silver medal from the 1982 Delhi Asian Games.
* Bronze medal from the 1986 Seoul Asian Games.
* Bronze medal from the 1982 Champions Trophy held in Amsterdam.
Apart from the medals, the burglars also reportedly stole gold bangles, gold coins, a silver cup, six silver spoons, silver utensils and Rs 30,000 in cash.
According to the police, the estimated financial value of the stolen property is approximately Rs 3.53 lakh. However, the historical and emotional value of the medals is far greater than their monetary worth.
‘It Is a Loss to Indian Sporting History’
Somaya expressed deep disappointment over the incident, particularly because the stolen Olympic gold medal represents a landmark achievement in Indian hockey.
He pointed out that the 1980 Moscow Olympic gold remains India's last Olympic gold medal in men's hockey. For him, the medal represents years of hard work, sacrifice and the honour of representing the country at the highest level.
He has also appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene and ensure that the investigation is completed quickly and the stolen medals are recovered.
Police Form Two Special Teams
A case has been registered at Bengaluru's Indiranagar Police Station under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police have formed two special teams to identify the suspects and recover the stolen property. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to trace the movements of the burglars.
A Glorious Career in Indian Hockey
MM Somaya represented India at three consecutive Olympic Games in 1980, 1984 and 1988. He also captained the Indian team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. In recognition of his contribution to Indian hockey, he received the Arjuna Award in 1985.
The theft of the 1980 Olympic gold medal has particularly shocked the sporting fraternity because of its historical significance. As police continue their investigation, the biggest priority is to recover the medals that represent an important chapter in India's sporting history.
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