Did 1972 Olympic Bronze Medallist and Father of Tennis Star Leander Paes Pass Away at 80?
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Synopsis
The sporting world mourns the loss of Dr. Vece Paes, a bronze medallist at the Munich Olympics and father to tennis star Leander Paes. Remembered for his contributions to sports and his influence on future generations, Dr. Paes's passing marks a significant loss in Indian sports history.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Vece Paes was a notable figure in Indian hockey, earning a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
- He was also involved in various sports as a leader and doctor of sports medicine.
- His son, Leander Paes, credits him with shaping his sporting career.
- Dr. Paes's contributions extended to rugby and cricket, showcasing his diverse athletic talent.
- His legacy will inspire future generations of athletes.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) Dr. Vece Paes, a bronze medallist in hockey at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the father of tennis legend Leander Paes, has sadly passed away in Kolkata at the age of 80. He had been battling an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease.
Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes was remarkable not only in sports but also in his academic pursuits. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, he was a qualified doctor in sports medicine and held the position of president at the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club.
His son, Leander, frequently credited his father's influence and motivation in shaping his own journey in sports, particularly his dedication to representing India at the Olympics.
Beyond hockey, Dr. Paes showcased his talents in divisional cricket, football, and rugby. His passion for rugby led him to serve as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.
As a steadfast figure in Indian sports, the 80-year-old Dr. Paes leaves behind a rich legacy of accomplishments that inspire countless athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Hockey India expressed its condolences on Thursday, mourning the loss of Dr. Vece Paes, a vibrant midfielder from the golden age of Indian Hockey.
"Today is a somber day for us at Hockey India. The passing of Dr. Paes marks the end of a remarkable era in hockey. The Olympic medal in Munich stands as a testament to his resilience and determination. I was fortunate to meet him a few times and was always inspired by his commitment to sports. He was a strong proponent of fostering a sporting culture in our nation.
"We at Hockey India extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Jennifer, his son Leander, and their entire family. We stand united in their sorrow," remarked Dilip Tirkey, president of Hockey India.
Additionally, Bhola Nath Singh, secretary-general of Hockey India, conveyed his deepest sympathies, stating, "On behalf of Hockey India, we extend our sincerest condolences to Leander, his mother, and their family. His contributions to sports and sports science will forever be cherished, and his legacy will endure."
Point of View
Doctor, and leader have left an indelible mark. His legacy will not only influence current athletes but also inspire future generations. Such figures are rare, and his commitment to fostering an athletic culture in India will resonate for years to come.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Dr. Vece Paes's contributions to sports?
Dr. Vece Paes was a bronze medallist in hockey at the 1972 Munich Olympics and served as president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club and the Indian Rugby Football Union. He was also a doctor of sports medicine.
How did Leander Paes describe his father’s influence?
Leander Paes often credited his father as a pivotal influence in his sporting journey, particularly in nurturing his passion for representing India at the Olympics.
What illness did Dr. Vece Paes suffer from?
Dr. Vece Paes was suffering from an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease at the time of his passing.
How did the sports community react to his death?
Hockey India expressed deep sorrow over Dr. Paes's demise, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian hockey and sports culture.
Where did Dr. Vece Paes pass away?
Dr. Vece Paes passed away in Kolkata.
