Manu Bhaker Advocates for Quality Olympic Medals as Paris 2024 Awards Lose Shine
New Delhi, January 17 – Ace Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has expressed concern over the quality of Paris 2024 Olympic medals, as the sheen of her two bronze medals has started to fade within months of receiving them. Bhaker, who won medals in the 10m Air Pistol and 10m Mixed Team Pistol events, emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality standards for Olympic awards, which symbolize the pinnacle of an athlete's career.
Medals Losing Their Shine
Speaking to the media after receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, the 22-year-old confirmed the issue with her medals. "Just a few days after receiving the medals, their shine began to fade. The top coating of my medals has peeled off, exposing the inner material," Bhaker said.
The issue has been widely reported by athletes from around the globe, prompting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to intervene. The IOC has announced that faded medals will be replaced by France’s national mint, Monnaie de Paris, with identical replacements for the defective ones.
An Olympic Medal: A Lifelong Memory
Bhaker underlined the emotional and symbolic value of an Olympic medal, saying, "An Olympic medal is a lifelong memory for any athlete because it carries a significant journey and emotion with it. Its quality should reflect its prestige. I’m glad the IOC is taking action to replace the faulty medals."
Preparation for Los Angeles 2028
Bhaker took a brief hiatus after her success in Paris but has resumed training with her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She has been focusing on sharpening her skills over the past few months, skipping events like the World Cup Finals and National Championships to prepare for the long-term challenge.
"I have been training for about two and a half months now. The journey to the 2028 Olympics will have its ups and downs, and I am mentally prepared for it," she said.
Upcoming Goals and Gratitude
The seasoned shooter is gearing up for an action-packed schedule, including multiple World Cups, the 2026 World Championships, and the Asian Games. Reflecting on her Khel Ratna recognition, she expressed her gratitude, adding that the honor motivates her to strive for a gold medal at the next Olympics.
"This award is one of the most prestigious honors in the country. It inspires me to change the color of my medal in Los Angeles. I am thankful to everyone who has supported me on this journey," Bhaker concluded.
With her focus on consistent improvement, Bhaker aims to make India proud on the global stage once again.
