Dr. Vece Paes, Olympic Hockey Hero and Father of Tennis Legend Leander, Dies at 80

In a profound loss to the Indian sporting fraternity, Dr. Vece Paes, the versatile athlete who clinched a bronze medal as a midfielder for India's hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 80. A trailblazer in multiple disciplines and a respected sports medicine expert, Dr. Paes had been battling advanced Parkinson's disease and was admitted to a Kolkata hospital on Tuesday before succumbing to his illness.

Born in April 1945 in the coastal state of Goa to a family with deep roots in medicine—his grandfather, Dr. Pedro Paes, was a practicing doctor in the region—Vece Paes grew up embodying the spirit of athleticism and intellect. He pursued his medical education in Kolkata, where he later settled, blending his professional career with an unyielding passion for sports. Beyond his iconic role in hockey, Dr. Paes was a multi-talented sportsman, excelling in football, cricket, and rugby. His leadership extended off the field as well; he served as the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002, playing a pivotal role in promoting the sport across the country.

As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Paes made groundbreaking contributions, particularly in anti-doping education and athlete welfare. He collaborated with prestigious bodies such as the Asian Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Indian Davis Cup team, establishing himself as a guardian of fair play in sports. His expertise helped shape anti-doping programs that influenced generations of athletes.

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Dr. Paes' legacy is deeply intertwined with his family, which boasts a remarkable sporting heritage. His wife, Jennifer Paes, was a basketball star who captained India's women's team and competed at the 1972 Olympics alongside him. Their son, Leander Paes, followed in his footsteps to become one of India's greatest tennis players, securing a bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics—creating a unique father-son duo separated by 24 years in Olympic glory. Leander, recently inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, often credited his father's discipline and sporting ethos for his success. Growing up in Kolkata, Leander honed his skills on the city's iconic Maidan grounds under his father's guidance.

Tributes poured in from across the sports world following the news of his passing. The Press Trust of India highlighted his enduring impact on Indian hockey and tennis, while fans and media outlets described him as a "true legend" and "inspiration" whose dedication to sports and humanity will be remembered forever. NDTV and other platforms echoed the sentiment, noting the void left in the community.

Dr. Vece Paes' life was a testament to versatility, resilience, and family-driven excellence, leaving an indelible mark on Indian sports that will inspire future generations.

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