How Did the Sports Community Honor the Legacy of 1972 Olympic Medallist Vece Paes?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The passing of Dr. Vece Paes at 80 has left a deep void in the sports community. As a former Olympic medallist and a pioneer in sports medicine, his contributions spanned multiple sports. Tributes pour in from fellow athletes, celebrating his legacy and impact on Indian sports.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Vece Paes was an Olympic medallist and pivotal figure in Indian hockey.
- He battled Parkinson's disease, impacting his health in later years.
- His contributions to sports medicine revolutionized athlete care in India.
- He was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in rugby, cricket, and football.
- Dr. Paes's legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) The sports community is in mourning following the loss of Dr. Vece Paes, an esteemed Olympic medallist and the father of tennis icon Leander Paes, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. Dr. Paes was a significant midfielder during the golden age of Indian hockey and played a crucial role in the Indian team's achievement of the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Having dedicated a lifetime to Indian sports, both on and off the field, Dr. Paes battled an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. He was admitted to Woodlands Hospital on August 12 due to complications from lower respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, after being under the care of Woodlands Home Care Service for ten months.
Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes excelled not only in sports but also in academics. He held a degree in sports medicine and was president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club. His medical career began in the 1960s at NRS Medical College and Woodlands Hospital.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram expressed his sorrow, stating, "Very saddened by the passing of former Indian player and Olympic bronze medalist Dr. Vece 'Doc' Paes. The hockey family is grateful for what he gave to our sport as a player and then as a sports physician. We extend our condolences to his family and friends, as well as Hockey India.”
Four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillayi remarked, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Vece Paes, a great hockey player, Olympic medallist & true motivator for athletes like me. His legacy in Indian sports will live on. May his soul rest in peace, Om Shanti."
Former India hockey team captain Viren Rasquinha shared his sadness, saying, "Very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Vece Paes. He was a midfielder with the team that won the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. An amazing Sports Physician, he was team doctor when I played at Athens 2004. Incredible human being. RIP Doc. Thank you for everything."
In addition to hockey, Dr. Paes showcased his talents in divisional cricket, football, and rugby, serving as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.
Rugby India paid tribute, stating, "An Olympian, seasoned sports administrator & sports medicine pioneer, he brought passion, vision & dedication to every game he touched. His legacy will forever inspire us & Indian Sports."
In the realm of football, Dr. Paes made significant strides in sports medicine in India, serving as Chairman of the AIFF Medical Commission from 2003 to 2006. There, he developed comprehensive sports medicine programs and propagated the Peak Performance Programme for national teams.
Former Indian cricket all-rounder Yusuf Pathan shared on X, "Saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Vece Paes, father of Leander Paes and the first doctor to win medals at both the Olympics and the World Cup. A great sportsperson and a wonderful human being. My heartfelt condolences to the family."
Point of View
We at Nation have always recognized the significant contributions of individuals like Dr. Vece Paes to the fabric of Indian sports. His dedication and achievements not only inspire current athletes but also set a benchmark for future generations. We stand with the sports community in honoring his legacy and extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this difficult time.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What contributions did Dr. Vece Paes make to Indian sports?
Dr. Vece Paes was a prominent hockey player who helped India win a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He was also a pioneering sports physician, significantly impacting sports medicine in India.
How did Dr. Paes impact the field of sports medicine?
Dr. Paes served as Chairman of the AIFF Medical Commission, where he developed sports medicine programs and training for national teams, greatly enhancing the medical support for athletes.
What other sports did Dr. Paes excel in?
In addition to hockey, Dr. Paes was involved in cricket, football, and rugby, serving as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union and showcasing his versatility across various sports.
