Former Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper and member of the 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medal-winning side Manuel Frederick died in Bengaluru on Friday morning. Frederick (78), who had been suffering from prostate cancer for the last 10 months, is survived by two daughters.
Born on October 20, 1947 in Barnasseri in Kannur, Frederick was the first athlete from Kerala to win an Olympic medal. The only other sportsperson from the state to win an Olympic medal is PR Sreejesh, who won bronze in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
Frederick, who had moved to Bengaluru long back, was also suffering from depression after his wife, Sheetala, passed away a year ago. "Dad passed away this morning. He was suffering from cancer for the last 10 months and was also depressed after our mother expired a year back," his daughter Freshna said.
"We tried our best but he developed jaundice in the end and his liver got affected, which aggravated his condition," she said. Frederick had received the Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games in 2019.
Hockey India also condoled the death of Frederick. "Manuel Frederick was one of India's finest goalkeepers, a true guardian of the post whose contributions during a glorious period of Indian hockey will always be remembered. His achievements paved the way for many who dreamt of representing India at the highest level," Hockey India (HI) president Dilip Tirkey said in a statement.
"On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my deepest condolences to his family. Indian hockey has lost a great son, but his legacy will forever live on," he said.
HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh also paid tribute to Fredrick, saying, "It is an extremely sad day for the hockey fraternity. Manuel Frederick's dedication, especially as a pioneer from Kerala, inspired countless youngsters from non-traditional hockey regions to believe in their dreams. His discipline, commitment, and service to the nation will always be honoured. We stand with his family in this moment of grief."
Frederick represented ASC and HAL in Karnataka, as well as Services, Uttar Pradesh and Mohun Bagan Club during his club career. He made his India debut in 1971 and served the national team with distinction for seven years.
Frederick was the goalkeeper in two World Cups, in in 1973, where India won silver, and in Argentina in 1978. Known affectionately as “Tiger” for his fearless and instinctive goalkeeping, he earned a formidable reputation for his mastery in defending penalty strokes.
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