Manuel Frederick
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 was 78 and is survived by two daughters.
He had been suffering from prostate cancer for a the last 10 months.
Frederick, born on October 20, 1947 in Barnasseri in Kannur, was the first athlete from Kerala to win an Olympic medal.
The only other sportsperson from the state to win Olympic medals is PR Sreejesh, who won bronze in 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 back.
"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 told PTI.
"We tried our best but he developed jaundice in the end and his liver got affected, which aggravated his condition."
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," 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."
HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh also paid tribute, stating,"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 the iconic 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 guarded the goal in two World Cups -- Netherlands 1973, where India won silver, and Argentina 1978.
Known affectionately as 'Tiger' for his fearless and instinctive goalkeeping, he earned a formidable reputation for his mastery in defending penalty strokes.
Frederick was 78 and is survived by two daughters.
He had been suffering from prostate cancer for a the last 10 months.
Frederick, born on October 20, 1947 in Barnasseri in Kannur, was the first athlete from Kerala to win an Olympic medal.
The only other sportsperson from the state to win Olympic medals is PR Sreejesh, who won bronze in 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 back.
"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 told PTI.
"We tried our best but he developed jaundice in the end and his liver got affected, which aggravated his condition."
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," 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."
HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh also paid tribute, stating,"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 the iconic 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 guarded the goal in two World Cups -- Netherlands 1973, where India won silver, and Argentina 1978.
Known affectionately as 'Tiger' for his fearless and instinctive goalkeeping, he earned a formidable reputation for his mastery in defending penalty strokes.
