Manuel Frederick, a celebrated former Indian hockey goalkeeper and a member of the 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medal-winning team, has passed away in Bengaluru on Friday, October 31, 2025. He was 78 years old. Born on October 20, 1947, in Kannur, Kerala, Frederick was the first athlete from Kerala to win an Olympic medal.
Frederick breathed his last in a private hospital, succumbing to cancer after battling the illness for the last 10 months. His daughter, Freshna, told PTI that he was also suffering from depression following the death of his wife, Sheetala, a year prior. She added that his condition was aggravated by jaundice and liver complications. He is survived by his two daughters.
Manuel Frederick made his debut for India in 1971 and served the national team with distinction for seven years. As a goalkeeper, he played a pivotal role in the Indian men's hockey team's successes during the 1970s. He represented India in two Hockey World Cups, in the Netherlands in 1973 where the team won silver, and in Argentina in 1978. He was known as 'Tiger' for his fearless and instinctive goalkeeping, earning a reputation for his mastery in defending penalty strokes.
In recognition of his contribution to Indian sports, Frederick was honored with the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games in 2019 by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Reactions to Frederick's death have been pouring in from the hockey fraternity. Hockey India (HI) President Dilip Tirkey mourned his death, stating, "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". He extended his deepest condolences to Frederick's family on behalf of Hockey India, acknowledging the loss of a great son of Indian hockey and affirming that his legacy will live on forever. HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh also expressed his condolences.
Frederick's passing marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. His contributions to the sport, his Olympic medal, and his inspiring goalkeeping skills will be remembered for generations to come.
