Kolkata: Dr. Vece Paes, an esteemed Olympic hockey hero from the 1972 Munich Games and father of tennis icon and Olympic medallist Leander Paes, passed away on August 14 at the age of 80. A respected figure in Indian sport both on and off the field, he had been battling advanced Parkinson’s disease and was recently hospitalised in Kolkata.
A gifted midfielder, Dr. Paes had made his international debut in 1966 while still a medical student and played a key role in India’s campaigns at both the 1971 World Cup and the 1972 Olympics. In India, he represented iconic clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, helping them secure multiple Beighton Cup and Calcutta League titles.
His contributions to Indian sport were not just confined to the playing field. A qualified doctor, Dr. Paes, became a pioneer in sports medicine. He served as a medical consultant with top sports bodies, including the BCCI and Asian Cricket Council, and played a pivotal role in establishing anti-doping education programs in India. His dual expertise as an Olympian and healer made him a favorite among athletes.
Further on in his career, Dr Vece Paes also served as President of the Indian Rugby Football Union (1996–2002) and of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, laying the foundation to his multi-sport legacy.
Dr. Vece Paes is survived by his wife Jennifer, a former national basketball player, his son, and two daughters. His sporting legacy lives on through his son Leander Paes, one of India’s most decorated tennis players and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medallist. Together, they form a rare father-son duo of Indian Olympic medallists.
Tributes from the sports fraternity honour Dr. Paes not only for his Olympic success and contributions as a compassionate sports physician but also as a visionary who championed Indian sport on the world stage.
