Olympic Gold Medal Stolen from Residence of Former Indian Hockey Captain M.M. Somaya

A theft has occurred at the residence of M.M. Somaya, former captain of the Indian hockey team, residing in the New Thippasandra area of Bengaluru. In this burglary, the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal, the most precious achievement of his life, has been stolen. Additionally, other international sports medals, gold and silver jewellery, and cash have also been taken.

According to reports by The Hindu and Hindustan Times, the incident took place in the early hours of October 28. The 67-year-old M.M. Somaya had gone to Kodagu district in Karnataka with his family on the morning of October 25. Taking advantage of the house being locked and vacant, two unknown thieves entered by breaking the front door at 2:34 am on October 28. The theft came to light after a neighbour noticed the front door open at 7:15 am and informed Somaya.

CCTV footage from a neighbour's house shows two individuals entering the residence. According to the police complaint, one person was wearing a blue shirt and the other a red shirt. The thieves stole the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal, the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games silver medal, the 1986 Seoul Asian Games bronze medal, and the 1982 Amsterdam Champions Trophy bronze medal.

Apart from the sports medals, other valuables stolen include one gold bangle of 10 grams, one gold coin of 8 grams, two silver cups weighing 144 grams (72 grams each), six silver spoons weighing 200 grams, one silver vessel of 80 grams, and ₹30,000 in cash. The police complaint states that the total estimated value of the stolen items, excluding the sports medals, is ₹3.53 lakh.

M.M. Somaya has written a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, requesting his intervention for a time-bound and thorough investigation into the matter. In the letter, he stated, "The Olympic gold medal is not just a personal sporting achievement; it is an honour earned for the nation on the world's highest sporting stage." He further added that the stolen medal is India's last Olympic gold medal in men's hockey, making its significance immense not only for him but also for the nation and the history of Indian sports. For him, it is an unparalleled symbol of years of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the country.

A case has been registered at the Indiranagar Police Station of Bengaluru Police under sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Vikram Amte, DCP (East Division) of Bengaluru City Police, stated that two special teams have been formed to identify the accused and recover the stolen valuables and medals. The police are currently examining the CCTV footage.

Regarding M.M. Somaya's background, he was a key member of the Indian hockey team during the 1980s. He made his debut at the 1980 Moscow Games, where India won its eighth Olympic gold medal in men's hockey. He represented India in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, serving as the team captain in 1988. His international career includes two World Cups, two Asian Games, two Asia Cups, and three Champions Trophy tournaments. He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1985 for his contribution to Indian hockey.