Bengaluru Ex-Hockey Captain M M Somaya’s Olympic Gold Medal Stolen
· Sports · Indian Express, Hindustan Times
Burglars broke into former Indian hockey captain M M Somaya's Bengaluru home on October 28, 2026, stealing his 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal and other prized sports memorabilia. The theft, estimated at Rs 3.53 lakh, also took his silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games, a bronze from the 1986 Asian Games, and another bronze from the 1982 Champions Trophy, along with cash and medals from Bula Chowdhury and a marathon. Police have formed two special teams and are reviewing neighbourhood CCTV to track the suspects. The case highlights the vulnerability of retired athletes' collections in Bengaluru's New Thippasandra area.
Why it matters
The loss affects Somaya, a three‑time Olympian and Arjuna Award winner, by erasing personal sports history and depriving him of valuable items that likely held sentimental and monetary worth. It also raises concerns about the security of retired athletes' prized possessions in Bengaluru, prompting calls for better protection and awareness. The incident adds to recent thefts of medals, underscoring the need for improved safeguards for sporting heritage in India.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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