Indian hockey player MM Somaiya's Olympic gold medal stolen

A 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal has been stolen from the residence of former Indian hockey star MM Somaiya in the New Thippasandra area of Bengaluru. According to a report by The Hindu, other international sports medals, jewellery, and cash were also taken during the burglary that occurred in the early hours of 28 October.

Somaiya stated that he and his family had left Bengaluru on 25 October to visit his hometown in Kodagu district. Taking advantage of the house being vacant and locked, two unknown thieves entered by breaking the front door at 2:34 am on 28 October. Around 7:15 am, a neighbour noticed the front door was open and informed Somaiya. CCTV footage from the neighbour's house showed two men breaking the door and entering. According to a report by Hindustan Times, one suspect in the CCTV footage was wearing a blue shirt and the other a red shirt.

The list of stolen medals includes 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. Speaking on the significance of the medals, Somaiya said that the stolen medal is India's last Olympic gold medal in men's hockey, which is extremely important not just for him but for the nation and Indian sporting history. He added that these medals are an inseparable symbol of his years of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the country.

Not only medals, but other valuables were also missing in the theft. According to Hindustan Times, the stolen items include a 10 gram gold bangle, an 8 gram gold coin, two silver cups weighing 144 grams, six silver spoons, and an 80 gram silver pot. Additionally, gold jewellery, silver utensils, and ₹30,000 in cash were taken. The total value of all stolen property is estimated to be approximately ₹3.53 lakh.

The Indiranagar police have registered a case under sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, regarding the incident. Vikram Amte, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Division), Bengaluru City, stated that two special teams have been formed to identify the accused and recover the missing items, including the Olympic gold medal. The police are also examining CCTV footage.

Somaiya has written a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar seeking intervention in this matter. He has requested the Chief Minister to instruct the Bengaluru police to complete the investigation thoroughly and within a time limit. Somaiya wrote in the letter, "An Olympic gold medal is much more than just a personal sporting achievement; it is an honour earned for the nation on the world's highest sporting stage." He urged the Chief Minister to use all necessary resources, understanding the national and sporting significance of this case.

MM Somaiya was an important member of the Indian hockey team in the 1980s. He made his Olympic debut at the 1980 Moscow Games, where India won its eighth Olympic gold medal in men's hockey. He played as a right-half and also represented the country in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, where he played the role of captain for the team 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.