Bengaluru: An Olympic gold medal won by former Indian hockey captain M.M. Somayya at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, along with three other international medals, has been stolen from his residence in HAL 3rd Stage, New Thippasandra.

The burglary took place in the early hours of October 28 when Somayya, 67, and his family were away in Kodagu. Apart from the medals, the burglars allegedly stole gold and silver ornaments, silverware and ₹30,000 in cash. The total value of the stolen property has been estimated at ₹3.53 lakh.

Four international medals among stolen valuables

The stolen medals include the gold medal Somayya won as part of the Indian men’s hockey team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

The other missing medals are:

  • Silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi.
  • Bronze medal from the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul.
  • Bronze medal from the 1982 Champions Trophy in Amsterdam.

The medals represent important milestones in Somayya’s international hockey career and India’s sporting history.

Burglary captured on CCTV

According to the police complaint, Somayya and his family had left Bengaluru for Kodagu on October 25. On the morning of October 28, a neighbour noticed that the front door of the house was open and alerted him.

CCTV footage from a neighbouring property reportedly showed two unidentified men entering the house at around 2.34 am after allegedly breaking open the door. One suspect was wearing a blue shirt, while the other was wearing a red shirt.

The burglars allegedly took the four medals along with gold ornaments, silver articles and cash.

The stolen valuables included a gold bangle, gold coins, two silver cups, six silver spoons and a silver vessel.

Somayya seeks Chief Minister’s intervention

Following the theft, Somayya wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, requesting his intervention to ensure a thorough and time-bound investigation.

He highlighted the national importance of the stolen Olympic gold medal, describing it as an irreplaceable symbol of years of dedication, sacrifice and service to the country.

The medal holds particular significance because India’s 1980 victory in Moscow remains the country’s most recent Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey.

Somayya has urged the authorities to make every possible effort to trace the stolen medals and recover the other valuables.

Police form special teams to trace suspects

Indiranagar police have registered a case based on Somayya’s complaint under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to housebreaking and theft.

Two special police teams have been formed to identify the suspects and recover the stolen property. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to establish the movements of the accused.

Police are yet to announce any arrests or recovery of the stolen medals.

Three-time Olympian and Arjuna Award recipient

M.M. Somayya represented India at three Olympic Games — Moscow in 1980, Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988. He was part of the Indian team that won the men’s hockey gold medal at the 1980 Olympics and later captained the national side at the 1988 Seoul Games.

He received the Arjuna Award in 1985 in recognition of his contribution to Indian hockey.

The theft has raised concern over the loss of valuable sporting memorabilia that represents a significant chapter in India’s Olympic history. The recovery of the medals remains a key priority as the police investigation continues.