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India Hockey Hits 100 Years; Nation Mourns Legend Manuel Frederick Amid Celebrations

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 1 week ago | Nov 01, 2025 09:22 am IST
India Hockey Hits 100 Years; Nation Mourns Legend Manuel Frederick Amid Celebrations

An entire nation is holding its breath. We’re just seven days away from a monumental milestone, the 100-year anniversary of Indian hockey’s formal organization on November 7, 2025. But this moment of immense national pride is now touched by sorrow, as India lost a true legend, goalkeeper Manuel Frederick, just as the countdown began.

Key Takeaways

  • Centenary Celebration: India marks 100 years of its hockey legacy on November 7, 2025, celebrating its affiliation with the FIH in 1925.
  • A Legend Lost: 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medalist goalkeeper Manuel Frederick passed away on October 31, 2025, during the centenary countdown.
  • Unmatched Legacy: Indian hockey boasts a stunning record of 13 Olympic medals, including eight gold, one silver, and four bronze.
  • Honoring Heroes: Tributes were also paid to two-time Olympic gold medalist Kunwar Digvijay Singh ‘Babu’ on October 30, 2025.
  • Unseen Support: 1980 gold medalist M.M. Somaya dedicated the centenary to fans and employers like Indian Railways who built the sport’s ecosystem.

A Golden Legacy Remembered

Look, you can’t talk about Indian sports without talking about hockey’s ‘golden era’. From 1928 to 1959, India didn’t just play hockey; they defined it. This is the legacy that gave us an incredible 13 Olympic medals. Yeah, eight of those are gold. It’s a history built by titans of the sport.

Just recently, on October 30, Hockey India paid a heartfelt tribute to one of those giants, Kunwar Digvijay Singh ‘Babu’. He was instrumental in securing two of those golds, back in 1948 and 1952. It’s these foundational players who carved out the path for today’s stars.

The Unseen Heroes Behind the Glory

But here’s the thing. It’s not just about the players on the pitch. M.M. Somaya, a legend from the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold-winning team, said it best. He dedicated this centenary to the ‘unseen heroes’ of the game. Who’s he talking about? He’s talking about the employers like the Armed Forces and Indian Railways that gave players stable jobs and the freedom to train. He’s talking about you. The fans. The generations of families who have passionately followed the sport, creating the very ecosystem where hockey could thrive.

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A Poignant Countdown

The final week leading up to the November 7 celebration was supposed to be pure joy. A nationwide party. But on October 31, a wave of sadness hit the community. Manuel Frederick, the iconic goalkeeper who was the first-ever Olympic medalist from Kerala, passed away. He was the hero who clinched that crucial bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics. His loss, right at this moment, serves as a powerful reminder of the human stories and sacrifices behind the medals.

What’s Happening Next?

So, what does the celebration look like? It’s huge. Hockey Chandigarh is hosting a grand event on November 7, with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria as the chief guest. But it’s not just one city. From Hockey Arunachal to every corner of the country, Indians are ready to celebrate. The main event in New Delhi is set to be a massive tribute to a century of unparalleled dominance, resilience, and passion for the game.

As the nation prepares to celebrate, it does so with a mix of pride for its past and a heavy heart for the hero it just lost. What’s your favorite Indian hockey moment from the last 100 years? Let us know.