Manu Bhaker to get defective Paris Olympics medals replaced
Manu Bhaker to get defective Paris Olympics medals replaced
Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, who scripted history at the Olympic Games in 2024 by winning two bronze medals, has decided to get them replaced with ‘identical models’.
This development comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) told AFP on Monday that the Paris 2024 Organising Committee is working closely with Monnaie de Paris (the French State mint), the institution responsible for the manufacture and quality control of the medals, to assess all complaints about the medals.
“Yes, I read about it today. If they are replacing, then yes, I would like to get mine also replaced,” Manu, who had finished third in the individual and team events of 10m air pistol in the French capital, told Sportstar.
“Defective medals will be systematically replaced by the Monnaie de Paris and engraved identically,” the IOC said. The replacement process should commence in a few weeks. It is being said that the bronze medals are, in fact, the ones that have got corroded the most.
Swapnil Kusale, who had won bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions, is yet to make up his mind on whether he would want to get his medal replaced.
The 5,084 gold, silver, and bronze medals for the Games were designed by luxury jewellery and watch makers Chaumet. Each medal contained a small piece of the Eiffel Tower.
Meanwhile, Yibbi Jansen and Freeke Moes of the gold-winning Netherlands hockey team and third-placed Argentina’s Victoria Sauze, who are presently in Ranchi to represent Odisha Warriors in the ongoing Women’s Hockey India League, will not be opting to replace their medals.
