Manu Bhaker’s Olympic medals to be replaced by Paris organisers

Star Indian shooter Manu Bhaker is set to have her two Olympic bronze medals replaced with identical models due to deterioration.

Several athletes from across the world have recently complained about the poor condition of their medals won at the Paris Olympics, sharing pictures of the damaged medals on social media.

As per media reports, the colour of the bronze medals won by pistol shooter Bhaker has “come off” and they “have been in this state” for a long time now.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that damaged medals would be systematically replaced by the Monnaie de Paris (the French state mint) and engraved identically to the originals.

The iron pieces embedded in the centre of each Olympic medal weigh 18 grams.

Monnaie de Paris, a designated medal-maker of the Paris Olympics organising committee, is a state-owned company responsible for minting coins and other currency for France. The company will replace all damaged and defective medals for athletes in the coming week.

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris featured pieces of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Chaumet, a luxury jewellery and watch company, commissioned by Monnaie de Paris designed the 5,084 gold, silver, and bronze medals for Paris 2024.

Bhaker is the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics since 1947, when India became independent from British rule.

The 22-year-old shooter won a bronze medal in the individual 10m air pistol event, becoming the first markswoman from India to win an Olympic medal. She later joined forces with Sarabjot Singh to win the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze medal.