FORMER national hockey player Wilfred “Freddy” Vias died at his home in Petaling Jaya this afternoon. He was 93. 

His death was confirmed by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) in a Facebook post. 

Better known as “Uncle Freddy”, he was instrumental in powering the Federation of Malaya hockey team’s appearance at the Melbourne 1956 Olympics. He played in the national team in the 1950s and was team captain in 1954.

Freddy was also elected as Johor Hockey Association secretary (1950-1953) and Negri Sembilan Hockey Association secretary (1956-1957).

He also played a significant role in the development of sports in Malaysia in various capacities, serving in the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry as a state culture, youth and sports officer (1966-1970), sports division officer (1972-1980), director of sports (1980-1981) and director-general of the National Sports Council (April 1, 1981- December 31, 1981).

In addition, Freddy was inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame in 2004 for his contribution to the development of sports in Malaysia and was one of the 80 torchbearers for the Olympic torch relay held in conjunction with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on April 21, 2008, in Kuala Lumpur. 

“The passing of Wilfred Vias is a great loss to the sporting fraternity in Malaysia. May his soul rest in peace,” the OCM said. – Bernama, June 7, 2022.