Indian shooter Manu Bhaker to receive replacements for her deteriorated Paris Olympic bronze medals as IOC initiates a systematic medal replacement process.
January 15, 2025: India's celebrated pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, who secured two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, is set to have her medals replaced after their quality deteriorated. Bhaker joins a growing list of athletes worldwide who have raised concerns over the wear and tear of their medals. Social media has been flooded with images of discoloured and damaged Olympic medals from the Games, sparking a widespread debate.
According to reports, the color of Bhaker's bronze medals has faded significantly, and they "have been in that state for quite some time now." In response, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that all defective medals will be systematically replaced. The replacements will be produced by the Monnaie de Paris (the French state mint) and engraved identically to the originals.
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The Monnaie de Paris is a state-owned entity responsible for minting currency in France. The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic medals, including Bhaker's, featured design elements inspired by the Eiffel Tower and were crafted by luxury brand Chaumet in collaboration with the mint.
The unique design includes iron pieces embedded in the center of each medal, weighing approximately 18 grams. Despite their visual appeal, the medals have been plagued by durability issues.
Bhaker's Paris Olympics Triumph:
Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win two medals at a single Olympic edition. She claimed bronze in the individual 10m air pistol event, marking her as the first Indian markswoman to achieve this feat at the Olympics. Additionally, she partnered with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
The IOC and the Paris Olympics organizing committee are working closely to address the situation and ensure all affected athletes, including Bhaker, receive replacement medals in the coming weeks.
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Manu Bhaker, Paris Olympics 2024, Olympic medals replacement, IOC, Indian shooting, Monnaie de Paris, Sarabjot Singh, 10m air pistol, Olympic history, sports news India, medal deterioration.
