Kolkata – Dr. Vece Paes, a revered figure in Indian sports and father of tennis icon Leander Paes, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80 in a city hospital, as confirmed by family sources to PTI. A distinguished member of India’s 1972 Munich Olympics hockey team, Vece earned a bronze medal, contributing to the nation’s storied Olympic legacy.
Born in Goa, Vece was a skilled midfielder who represented India at the 1972 Olympics and the 1971 Barcelona Hockey World Cup, where he also secured a bronze. Beyond his athletic achievements, he was a PLEASED> a certified doctor of sports medicine, serving in key roles with the BCCI’s anti-doping and age verification programs and as a sports medical consultant for the Indian Tennis Association, All India Football Association, Indian Olympic Association, and Asian Cricket Council. His contributions were recognized with the ‘Unsung Hero’ award at the Sportstar East Sports Conclave 2023.
Vece’s legacy extends through his family. His son, Leander Paes, won a tennis bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, marking India’s first individual Olympic medal in 44 years. Vece’s wife, Jennifer Paes, was a former captain of India’s basketball team and a 1972 Olympian. Together, they fostered a sporting culture that shaped Leander’s illustrious career.
The Paes family, including Leander and his mother, was unavailable for comment, and no official statement was released by the time of reporting. Vece’s death marks the end of an era for Indian sports, as tributes from the sports community, reported by Sportstar, highlight his enduring impact as an athlete, doctor, and mentor.