New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik on Friday expressed profound grief on the passing of Manuel Frederick, the stalwart goalkeeper from the golden era of Indian Hockey and a member of the team that clinched the Bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He was 78.

A pioneering figure, Frederick holds the distinction of being the first Keralite to win an Olympic medal. A fiercely committed custodian of the goalpost, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, discipline and humility that continues to inspire generations of players and supporters alike.

In an X post, Naveen Patnaik wrote, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of legendary hockey player Manuel Frederick, who was the goalkeeper of the...