Manu Bhaker’s medals at the Paris Olympics were damaged, the International Olympic Committee says

Indian pistol shooting star Manu Bhaker is likely to have her two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics replaced by identical models as she is among a large group of athletes who have complained that their medals have already deteriorated. Many athletes from all over the world have also posted pictures of their worn-out medals on social media recently. It is learned that the color of Bhaker’s medals has “disappeared” and they have been “in that condition” for a long time now.

The damaged medals will be systematically replaced by the French mint Monnaie de Paris, and will be engraved in a manner identical to the originals, the IOC said.

The iron pieces in the center of each Olympic medal weigh 18 grams (about two-thirds of an ounce).

The French Mint is a state-owned company that mints coins and other currency for France.

All damaged and defective medals are scheduled to be replaced in the coming weeks, with the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee working closely with the Monnaie de Paris.

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris included pieces of the famous Eiffel Tower.

The 5,084 gold, silver and bronze medals for Paris 2024 were designed by luxury watch and jewelery company Chaumet (part of the LVMH group) and produced by the Monnaie de Paris.

Bhaker is the first post-independence Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.

She opened India’s medal account at the Games by winning a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol individual event, becoming the first marksman from the country to win an Olympic medal.

The 22-year-old then joined forces with Sarabjot Singh to take the mixed team bronze in the 10m air pistol.