New Delhi:
Dr. Vece Paes, a former Indian hockey player who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics and father of tennis legend Leander Paes, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 80.
According to a Press Trust of India report, Paes had been suffering from advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease and was admitted to a city hospital on Tuesday morning.
A dynamic midfielder during his playing days, Paes represented India in hockey’s golden era before transitioning into multiple roles in Indian sports. Beyond hockey, he was a versatile athlete who also played football, cricket, and rugby. He served as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002 and held leadership roles in the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club.
A renowned sports medicine doctor, Paes worked as a medical consultant with several sports bodies, including the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), where he played a key role in anti-doping education programmes.
Dr Vece Paes, father of tennis ace Leander Paes has passed away. He was a member of the Indian hockey team that won bronze in the 1972 Munich Olympics. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/4WqlnqDrh1
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 14, 2025
Tributes Pour In
Hockey India mourned his demise, calling him an “unshakable pillar of Indian sports” and a “charismatic midfielder from the golden era of Indian hockey.”
Leander Paes has often described his father as both a mentor and best friend. In a past interview, the tennis star recalled:
“When I was growing up, dad and I would watch Brazil playing in the World Cup together.”
One of their most memorable public exchanges came in 2010, after Leander won the Australian Open mixed doubles title. In a surprise recorded video, Paes senior praised his son’s achievements while humorously addressing retirement rumours.
Also Read: ‘Khoon Aur Paani Saath Nahi Beh Sakta’: Harbhajan Singh Calls For Boycott Of Pakistan Matches In Asia Cup 2025
“You’ve impressed us and I’m sure you’re going to do well in tournaments like the Commonwealth Games and London Olympics,” he said a rare moment that brought Leander to tears.
The video ended with lighthearted jokes, with Paes senior teasing:
“Only you know when you’re going to retire. Can you give us a hint? And post-tennis, if you’re going into diplomacy, I feel sorry for the diplomats once you use your charm on them.”
Dr. Vece Paes leaves behind a legacy that bridges generations, inspiring athletes across disciplines and embodying a lifelong dedication to sport.
