Remembering Manuel Frederick: A Legendary Goalkeeper's Legacy
Manuel Frederick, Kerala's first Olympic hockey medalist, passed away at 78. The former Indian hockey goalkeeper, famed for the 1972 Olympic bronze, was honored with the Dhyan Chand Award. Frederick's legacy includes playing in 16 national championships and inspiring many through his sportsmanship.
Manuel Frederick, the trailblazing hockey player from Kerala, passed away on Friday morning in a Bengaluru hospital while undergoing cancer treatment, according to family sources.
Frederick, 78, was the Indian team's goalkeeper when they clinched the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics by defeating Holland. His exceptional career spanned seven years, earning him the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award in 2019.
Remarkably, Frederick led his teams to victory in 16 national championships through tiebreakers. Initially a football striker and hockey goalkeeper, he started his hockey journey with St. Michael's School in Kannur. Born on October 20, 1947, he made his mark at the Bombay Gold Cup at 17 and debuted internationally for India in 1971. He is survived by his two daughters.
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