The medals stolen included the gold Somaya won at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, India’s last Olympic gold in hockey
Because they were among the few things that were locked up, “The moment my wife told me burglars had broken into our house, I had a very strong feeling that the medals would be gone. They were inside a secured drawer in a cupboard, and both were broken,” Somaya revealed.
Then I told myself it was important to remove the emotional quotient from the situation and think professionally. After we registered an FIR, over the past week, I also emailed government authorities,” Somaya told TOI . I’ve been trying to keep myself occupied, so I don’t overthink it,” he said. “Hope the police make headway,” he added.
Bengaluru: Over the weekend, three-time Olympian and former India hockey captain MM Somaya had little time to dwell on his personal loss. At the YES for Hockey inter-school tournament for Rajyotsava Cup here, he was busy helping organise the event, interacting with young players and catching up with hockey stalwarts Dhanraj Pillay, Anil Aldrin, Sabu Varkey and Sandeep Somesh. Much like the deft moves that defined his game, the Arjuna Awardee has learnt to keep his emotions under control. But the loss has been difficult to process. “It took me a couple of hours to come to terms with what had happened. “Obviously, the medal is not only an honour to me but a recognition to the nation. So it did affect me emotionally.