Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes, who breathed his last in a city hospital on Thursday following a prolonged illness, excelled in both sports and academics.
Photo: IANS
The death of Dr Vece Paes, a member of India’s bronze medal-winning men’s hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics and father of tennis legend Leander Paes, has cast a pall on the Indian sporting fraternity. Social media was flooded with tributes to the legendary midfielder from the golden era of Indian hockey, whose contribution to sports go beyond his individual on-field brilliance.
Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes, who breathed his last in a city hospital on Thursday following a prolonged illness, excelled in both sports and academics. Beyond his achievements as a player, he was a renowned sports medicine specialist and served as president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club. His medical career began in the 1960s at NRS Medical College and Woodlands Hospital.
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Dr Paes was 80, and had been suffering from an advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease. He was admitted to a private hospital late on Tuesday with multi-organ dysfunction caused by lower respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract infections.
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International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram mourned the demise of Dr Vece Paes in a social media post, “Very saddened by the passing of former Indian player and Olympic bronze medallist 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.”
Hockey India condoled the death of Dr Paes in a post, “Dr. Vece Paes, a true sports icon, sadly passed away this morning. His achievements on and off the field inspired generations. As a member of the 1972 Munich Olympics bronze-winning team, he made India proud. His legacy will live on.”
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also joined in the mourning with a social media post, “On behalf of everyone at IOA, expressing our deep sadness on the news of the passing of 1972 Munich Olympic Medalist Dr Vece Paes. Our thoughts and prayers with Leander and family during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Vece Paes, a great hockey player, Olympic medallist & true motivator for athletes like me. Father of 7-time Olympian & Atlanta 1996 bronze medallist Leander Paes. His legacy in Indian sports will live on. May his soul rest in peace Om Shanti,” said four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay.
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha said, “Very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Vece Paes. He was a midfielder with the team that won the bronze medal at 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.”
Apart from hockey, Dr. Paes was also a talented divisional-level cricketer, footballer, and rugby player. His passion for rugby saw him serve as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.
“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,” Rugby India said in its tribute.
In football, Dr. Paes made lasting contributions to sports medicine in India. As Chairman of the AIFF Medical Commission from 2003 to 2006, he developed sports medicine programmes, established sports medicine centres, initiated training and accreditation for medical teams, and introduced the Peak Performance Programme for national squads at various levels as well as National Football League clubs. He later chaired the AIFF Medical Committee from 2017 to 2020.
In its tribute, the AIFF issued a statement, reading, “The All India Football Federation condoles the demise of Dr. Vece Paes, who passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Dr. Paes served Indian sport with distinction both on and off the field.”
Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan wrote 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.”
Former Indian tennis player Vishal Uppal called him an icon who “selflessly” served India.
“Thank you for everything Dearest Uncle Vece Paes. You will be missed a lot! Rest in peace. India has lost a sporting icon who served selflessly on & off the field. Hope the universe gives you strength & peace my brother @Leander aunty Julie & the whole family! #legend”.
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