Kolkata, India – India’s sporting fraternity is mourning the loss of Dr. Vece Paes, a distinguished figure who seamlessly blended a career in medicine with high-level athletic achievement. A 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medallist in hockey and the father of tennis legend Leander Paes, Dr. Paes passed away early on Thursday at the age of 80, following a prolonged illness at a local hospital. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
An Illustrious Sporting and Medical Career
Born in Goa in 1945, Dr. Paes was an energetic centre-half whose hockey career saw him play alongside figures like 1975 World Cup-winning captain Ajitpal Singh. His journey in hockey began at the school and college levels, and remarkably, he earned his place in the Indian national team while still a medical student. He made his international debut at the Hamburg International Cup in 1966, subsequently gracing the fields for prestigious clubs such as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. The pinnacle of his playing career came in 1972, when he contributed to India’s historic bronze medal win at the Munich Olympics.
Hockey India president and former India captain Dilip Tirkey expressed profound sadness at his passing, telling India Today, “It is a sad day for us. The passing of Dr. Paes draws a curtain on a great era of hockey. The Olympic medal in Munich is a testament to their grit and determination. I had the good fortune of meeting him a few times and I have always been inspired by his passion for sports in general.”
A Pioneer in Sports Science
Beyond his prowess on the field, Dr. Paes was a highly respected medical doctor and a pioneer in sports science. His expertise extended far beyond hockey, as he lent his knowledge to a multitude of leading athletes across tennis, football, and cricket, notably shaping the career of his son, Leander, who went on to win an Olympic bronze medal in tennis in 1996.
He served as a medical consultant to both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Davis Cup team. His exemplary work in managing anti-doping education programmes for the BCCI and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) earned widespread recognition and helped foster a cleaner sporting environment.
Dr. Paes was known for his profound philosophy on dedication, once remarking, “Talent is an overrated thing… If you do your 10,000 hours from the age of 12, you will hit your peak in your 20s. You have to work hard.” His life stands as a testament to this belief, having excelled both as an athlete and as a guiding force in sports medicine for decades.
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