World · South & Central Asia · 21 hrs ago
1980 Olympic hockey gold stolen from M.M. Somaya’s Bengaluru home
Burglars broke into former India hockey captain M.M. Somaya’s home in Bengaluru in the early hours of October 28.
They took his gold medal from the 1980 Moscow Olympics, along with three other international sporting medals, jewellery, silverware and cash.
Somaya was part of the Indian team that won men’s hockey gold in Moscow, and he later captained India at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
The stolen Olympic medal was India’s last men’s hockey gold, making its loss significant to the country’s sporting history as well as to Somaya.
He has written to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, asking him to ensure a thorough investigation and efforts to recover the medal.
Police have registered a case and formed two special teams to identify the suspects and recover the stolen property.
Burglars stole M.M. Somaya’s 1980 Moscow Olympics hockey gold medal and other valuables from his Bengaluru home.
The break-in happened around 2:34 a.m. on October 28 at his residence in New Thippasandra.
Other stolen items included three international sporting medals, jewellery, silverware and ₹30,000 in cash.
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at ₹3.53 lakh.
Police registered a case, formed two special teams and are examining CCTV footage.
Somaya has asked Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to ensure a thorough and time-bound investigation.
- Who
- Former Indian hockey player M.M. Somaya was the victim. Two unidentified burglars are suspected.
- What
- His 1980 Olympic gold medal, other sporting medals and valuables were stolen from his home.
- When
- Around 2:34 a.m. on October 28; the theft came to light around 7:15 a.m.
- Where
- Somaya’s residence in New Thippasandra, Bengaluru.
- Why
- Not stated. The reports say the burglars took advantage of the house being locked and unoccupied.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Somaya left Bengaluru with his family for his native place in Kodagu.
Two unidentified burglars broke into the house while it was locked and unoccupied.
Neighbours noticed the open door and alerted Somaya.
Indiranagar police registered a case and formed two special teams to identify the suspects and recover the stolen property.
- Stolen Olympic medal
- 1980 Moscow Olympics men’s hockey gold
- Other sporting medals
- 1982 Asian Games silver; 1986 Asian Games bronze; 1982 Champions Trophy bronze
- Location
- New Thippasandra, Bengaluru
- Cash stolen
- ₹30,000
- Estimated value of stolen property
- ₹3.53 lakh
- Police case
- Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
3 sources
What people are saying
One of the medals stolen is India’s last Olympic Gold Medal in men’s hockey and, therefore, has immense significance not only for me personally, but also for the nation and the history of Indian sport. For me, it is an irreplaceable symbol of years of dedication, sacrifice and service to the country.
An Olympic gold medal represents far more than an individual sporting achievement; it is an honour earned for the nation on the world's highest sporting stage.