Here is an Olympian, left in lurch and utter loneliness

KANNUR: A former Olympian from the state is living like a refugee in Bangalore in a rented house coaching school kids at the age of 70, ignored by all.   Manuel Fredericks,   who was known as  ‘Tiger’ in hockey circles for his speciality to stop penalty strokes, was the  goalkeeper of the Indian team that won the bronze in men’s hockey in Munich Olympics in 1972.

Fredricks has fought for over four decades to get just three cents of land in his home town of Kannur  two years back under the government’s landless scheme to build a house. However,   Rs 20 lakh  allotted for  the house was sanctioned only in May this year. But the Kannur municipal corporation has now refused to give the allotted land for the Olympian,  citing the place comes under city master plan.

The septuagenarian, who has already spent a good sum to build a compound  wall on  the plot with the money he got from state government’s Suresh Babu Life Time achievement award, is now left in the lurch. “I have already given the administrative sanction to build the house,  but the corporation says the plot cannot be used. I will speak with the minister to help the great man,” said Kannur District Collector P. Bala Kiran.

The land, which is now under controversy

“It is utter shame to keep him in such a plight,” opined  V. Devadas, sports law and human rights expert.   Sports Minister E.P Jayarajan said that the government will look into the issue once the Olympian gives a memorandum.