New Delhi: A week after securing her first Olympic bronze medal in Paris, Manu Bhaker was taken aback to notice that the shine of her medal was fading – quite literally. Within a few days, the color of her second Olympic bronze medal also started to lose its vibrancy.

Manu, who made history as the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympics since independence, was not alone in her disappointment; fellow shooters Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh also expressed their dismay at witnessing the deterioration of what is considered the pinnacle of achievement in their sport.

The substandard quality of the medals awarded at the Paris Olympics has drawn criticism, with numerous complaints from medalists worldwide. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has informed AFP that the "defective medals" will be replaced.

According to the IOC, "The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee is collaborating closely with the Monnaie de Paris (the French state mint), the entity responsible for the production and quality assurance of the medals, to evaluate any complaints regarding the medals and to ascertain the circumstances and causes of any damage." It further stated, "Defective medals will be systematically replaced by the Monnaie de Paris and will be engraved identically."

French online media outlet La Lettre reported, as cited by AFP, that over 100 defective medals have been returned by dissatisfied athletes. The report indicated that these medals were adversely affected by new materials mandated by recent regulations, which prohibited a previously used varnish component, necessitating a last-minute replacement.

India secured six medals at the Paris Games, with Neeraj Chopra earning the sole silver. Wrestler Aman Sehrawat and the men's hockey team also achieved bronze medals, although many hockey players have reported damage to their awards.

Ram Kishan, the father of Manu Bhaker, shared with HT that the coating on both of Manu's bronze medals has deteriorated. He remarked, "The medals do not appear to be just a few months old from this Olympics. Manu has now framed them, and we have placed them in a showcase at home. We refrain from taking them out for fear of further damage."

Sarabjot, who alongside Manu won bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed event, mentioned that he has contacted officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) regarding a replacement for his medal. He expressed his concern, stating, "Within a few days, I noticed the upper layer beginning to chip away. It seems that with every touch, the layer is coming off. It pains me to see them like this, as they represent our hard work. I have reached out to someone to inform the IOA so that action can be taken."

Swapnil, who earned bronze in the 50m rifle three positions, shared his thoughts on preserving his medal. "I have been contemplating ways to apply a protective layer, but I believe there are IOC regulations regarding Olympic medals. It is reassuring to know that the IOC is replacing the medals; I would appreciate a change," he stated to HT.

"I have attended numerous events since the Olympics where I have displayed my medal. It is a source of pride, and everyone wishes to hold it. I do not want to limit myself by not being able to take it out," Swapnil added.

“The replacement process should begin in the coming weeks,” IOC was quoted as saying by AFP.

IOA President PT Usha stated that should any Indian medallist raise concerns with the governing sports authority, she would promptly address the matter with the IOC. "An Olympic medal represents a lifetime achievement and a treasured memory. If any athlete believes that their medal has suffered from inferior quality and requires a replacement, we will petition the IOC for a substitute," she remarked.

The medals for the Paris Olympics have been presented as innovative. Each medal features a unique piece of the Eiffel Tower, one of France's most iconic symbols, sourced from the monument's operating company. The reverse side displays the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, alongside the Acropolis.

"The design of the medal was developed in collaboration with Chaumet, a company within the LVMH Group, which serves as a Premium Partner for Paris 2024," stated the organizing committee. 

(With AFP inputs).

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