Manuel Frederick: Olympics Medalist Passes Away at 78 After Suffering From Cancer
- 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medal-winning icon Manuel Fredrick has passed on at the age of 78
- The Kerala-born Indian hockey legend died after months of battle with cancer and depression as confirmed by his daughter
- The news about Federicks's death gathered several condolence messages from social media users
A renowned former Indian hockey goalkeeper, Manuel Frederick, has passed away at the age of 78 on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Bengaluru.
He was a key member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics and made history as the first athlete from Kerala to earn an Olympic medal.
Over a distinguished seven-year career with the national team, Frederick also represented India in two Hockey World Cups.
Frederick was born in Barnasseri, Kannur, on October 20, 1947, and made history as the first athlete from Kerala to win an Olympic medal.
The Indian legendary athlete's passing comes just days after the deaths of golf legend Frank Wharton and cricket great Harold “Dickie” Bird, who passed away at the age of 92.
Frederick passed on at 78
Frederick had been battling prostate cancer for the past 10 months, and his daughter, Freshna, confirmed his passing on Friday morning.
She confirmed to PTI that her father passed away that morning after battling cancer for the past 10 months. She added that he had also been struggling with depression since the death of her mother a year earlier.
Freshna explained that although the family did everything they could, he eventually developed jaundice, which affected his liver and worsened his condition.
Frederick was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games in 2019.
Hockey India expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Manuel Frederick. In a statement, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey described Frederick as one of India’s finest goalkeepers and a true guardian of the post, whose contributions during a golden era of Indian hockey will always be remembered.
Tirkey added that Frederick’s achievements inspired many aspiring players to represent India at the highest level. He went on to extend his heartfelt condolences to Frederick’s family on behalf of Hockey India, saying that while Indian hockey has lost a great son, his legacy will continue to live on.
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Tributes poured in on social media for the legendary Indian athlete.
Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said:
"Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary hockey goalkeeper Manuel Frederick, who played a pivotal role in India's Bronze medal triumph at the 1972 Munich Olympics. His unwavering dedication and remarkable skill between the posts left an indelible mark on Indian hockey, inspiring generations to come. As we honour his legacy, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire hockey fraternity. May his soul rest in peace."
Naveen Patnaik wrote:
"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of legendary hockey player Manuel Frederick who was the goal keeper of the Indian team that clinched the Bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. His contribution to the game of hockey will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and friends."
Yuvraj Walmiki commented:
"Manuel Frederick sir wasn’t just an Olympic medalist, he was a symbol of courage, resilience, and love for the game. From the 1972 podium to inspiring countless young athletes, his spirit defined Indian hockey. Rest in power, legend 🙏."
WeAreTeamIndia shared:
"Everyone at IOA mourns the demise of Olympic Medalist former India hockey goalkeeper Mr Manuel Frederick. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time 🙏🏽."
Rishu Ranjan added:
"An unsung legend of Indian hockey leaves us today. Thank you, Manuel Frederick, for making the tricolour fly high in 1972. Your legacy will live on. 🙏"
SA rugby legend passes away
Briefly News also reported that a SA rugby legend has passed away at his home in Riversdale, in the Southern Cape.
He is said to have been survived by his son and daughter, with rugby fans extending their condolences to them online.
Source: Briefly News
