Hockey Personalities... featuring FREDDY VIAS

“Who is Freddy Vias?” – That was my first question, when I was asked to write about him. Freddy Vias, Wilfred Vias or more affectionately known as Uncle Freddy is a hockey legend, I was told.

Meeting him for the first time on a rainy November evening, it was indeed a delight talking to Uncle Freddy as he shared stories of his days growing up by the railways along Jalan Travers, how he developed his passion for sports and his contributions in sports and the society as a whole.

Uncle Freddy is the eldest son amongst 3 siblings of the Vias family. He is renown for his talent in sports and was educated in St John’s Institution, Kuala Lumpur. Following in the footsteps of his late father, Uncle Freddy first picked up cricket at the Selangor Indian Association field at Kampung Attap, where he spent almost all his free time as a young boy. His sporting talent was quickly recognised by the railway men and he was soon indulging in many other sports such as hockey, football, tennis, badminton, golf - you name it, he played it! In fact, during the Japanese occupation, he even played baseball. “That’s the only sport they knew how to play!” said Uncle Freddy. 

Uncle Freddy was selected to play for the national hockey team in 1954 and was the captain of the Federation of Malaya team that played the first ‘international’ on the Padang in Singapore. He featured most prominently in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, and back in the days where sportsmen played for the love and pride of the country, the Malaysian hockey team had to raise their own funds! Uncle Freddy held the fort on the left-side of the Malaysian defence and terrorised the opponents with his powerful hits during short corners, up till his retirement from international hockey in 1961.

Spot the Vias in this 1947 St John’s Institution class photo!

Freddy Vias the Multi-Talented Sportsman!

In 1964 Uncle Freddy started his tertiary studies in Social Studies at University Malaya (Singapore campus), Dunearn Road on a government scholarship. Despite the many requests from his campus mates to pick up the hockey stick again, Uncle Freddy stuck to his books. At 36 years of age then, he was the oldest student in his class and very determined to prove that age was no barrier. Graduating 2 years later, he returned home to continue his work as a Probation Officer with the Ministry of Social Welfare.

A qualified hockey and cricket umpire, Uncle Freddy continued his contributions to the sporting fraternity in the many other administrative positions. He was the first Secretary General of the National Sports Council (NSC) and was also the first Sports Manager of our club! The Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS) veterans team was also initiated by Uncle Freddy on the sidelines of the Royal Selangor Club when he mooted the idea to the then Yang Di-Pertuan Agung of Malaysia in 1980s and continued to manage and coach the team until the early 1990s.

With his years of experience in the Ministry of Social Welfare (and subsequently at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports), his education background and his passion to help people, Uncle Freddy was asked to start the counselling centre at the Church of St Francis Xavier in the 1980s. The centre has helped scores of parishioners and continues to operate today. Uncle Freddy is still passionate about the centre he started almost 25 years ago and continues to contribute his time and effort to people who need it most! 

Performing his duties with the Ministry

To his surprise, Uncle Freddy’s involvement in the Olympics was ‘revived’ in 2008 when he was asked to participate as one of the 80 selected torchbearers in the Malaysian leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay through the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The relay, which started from Dataran Merdeka to its final destination at Suria KLCC, covered a distance of approximately 20 kilometres. What an honor it was for Uncle Freddy!

Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay - Light the Passion, Share the Dream
Dataran Merdeka, Royal Selangor Club, KL

When asked how he fills his time these days, he says he enjoys reading all sorts of literature and books, especially ‘gripping’ mystery or crime books and his daily newspaper. The benevolent Uncle Freddy donates all his old books to Convent Bukit Nanas so that others may share his passion for reading and knowledge.

After spending just over half an hour with Uncle Freddy, I must declare that this man is not just a hockey legend, but he is one fantastic human being. His warmth, sense of humor and caring nature was immediately apparent to me, and was confirmed when his wife of 48 years, Rita, whispered to me ‘Freddy is a fantastic husband and father’ as we walked out of the study room at his house in Petaling Jaya.

Catching up with old friends!

At 84 years old today, Uncle Freddy can still spring a surprise or two! He may be slow on his feet these days, but certainly not slow with his witty comments, especially after he has warmed up with his drink of choice!

A thoroughbred Johannian, one can only imagine what a charismatic and delightful character he must have been in his younger days!

Uncle Freddy, we must meet up again soon for some fellowship and drinks!