Dr. Vece Paes, a 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medallist in hockey and father of tennis icon Leander Paes, has passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. He had been battling an advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
What Happened
Dr. Vece Paes died early Thursday following a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. The former Indian hockey star, celebrated for his role in the country’s bronze-medal win at the 1972 Munich Olympics, was also a pioneering figure in sports medicine. His passing has been met with tributes from the sporting community in India and beyond, with many remembering his unmatched dedication to both athletics and athlete welfare.
Who Was Dr. Vece Paes
Born in 1945 in Goa, Dr. Paes was a rare combination of elite athlete and medical expert. As a tireless centre-half, he made his international hockey debut in 1966 at the Hamburg International Cup. He went on to represent India in major tournaments, including the 1971 Hockey World Cup in Barcelona (bronze) and the 1972 Munich Olympics (bronze).
Off the field, he became a respected sports medicine specialist, serving as a medical consultant for the Indian Davis Cup team and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and advising athletes across tennis, cricket, and football. His philosophy stressed hard work over talent, a belief he instilled in his son, Leander Paes — one of India’s most celebrated tennis champions.
Background and Career Timeline
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1966: Made his international hockey debut at the Hamburg International Cup.
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1971: Won bronze at the Hockey World Cup in Barcelona.
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1972: Secured bronze at the Munich Olympics.
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Club Career: Played for Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, winning nine Beighton Cups and nine Calcutta Hockey League titles.
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Post-Retirement: Transitioned to sports medicine, serving top Indian teams and working on anti-doping education with the BCCI and Asian Cricket Council.
Public and Social Media Reaction
Former teammates, sports officials, and fans have flooded social media with tributes. Gurbux Singh, a 1964 Olympic gold medallist, remembered Paes as “a great team-man and a fine gentleman.” Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey called his passing “a sad day for us,” lauding the Munich bronze as “a testament to grit and determination.”
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Hockey India and other sports bodies have expressed condolences, celebrating Paes’s dual legacy in sports and medicine. Memorial services are expected to be announced by the family, with many from the Indian sporting fraternity expected to attend.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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