M M Somaya Celebrates Recovery of Stolen Olympic Gold Medal and Valuables

Former Indian hockey captain M M Somaya rejoices as Bengaluru Police recover his stolen Olympic gold medal and other cherished items. The recovery, which includes eight medals and various personal belongings, has brought him immense joy, making him feel as if he has won the medals again. Somaya reflects on the sentimental value of these awards, earned during a time when hockey was an amateur sport. The police have arrested two suspects in connection with the burglary, which occurred at Somaya's residence. Discover the full story of this remarkable recovery and its significance to Somaya.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 23:52 IST

Gratitude for the Recovery of Stolen Items

On Wednesday, former Indian hockey captain M M Somaya expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Bengaluru Police for successfully retrieving his stolen possessions, which notably included his 1980 Olympic gold medal. Somaya remarked that the recovery felt akin to winning the medals anew.

Details of the Recovery

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh announced at a press briefing that all stolen items, comprising eight medals, a camera, a Kodagu dagger, and an Olympic kit bag, have been recovered. Additionally, the two-wheeler allegedly used in the theft has also been seized, and two suspects have been apprehended.

Sentimental Value of the Medals

Somaya expressed immense joy and gratitude towards the Bengaluru Police for their diligent efforts in recovering his stolen valuables. He emphasized the deep sentimental value of the medals, which were earned during a period when hockey was an amateur sport with minimal financial incentives.

Reflections on His Achievements

“It feels as if I have won the medals all over again. These medals represent years of dedication and hard work. Back then, there were no financial rewards; the medals were the only acknowledgment of our efforts, making them incredibly special to me, particularly the Olympic gold,” Somaya stated.

Circumstances of the Burglary

The burglary incident was reported at Somaya’s residence located in HAL 3^rd Stage on October 28, falling under the jurisdiction of the Indiranagar police station.

Locations of Recovered Items

The police managed to recover two medals from Rajajinagar, while the remaining six, along with the camera, Kodagu dagger, and Olympic kit bag, were found in Hoskote.

List of Recovered Medals

The retrieved medals include the gold medal from the 1980 Moscow Olympics, a silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games, a bronze medal from the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, and another bronze from the 1982 Champions Trophy in Amsterdam. Other medals recovered consist of a gold medal from the Loiano tournament in Italy, participation medals from the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, and a silver medal awarded during the 300^th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh.