Vece Paes, Olympic Hockey Medallist and Father of Leander Paes, Passes Away

Dr. VECE PAES, A 1972 Munich Olympics Bronze Medal-Winning Hockey Player and the Father of 1996 Olympics Bronze Medallist Tennis Great Leander Paes, Passed Away Following ILONSS Kolkata Hospital Early on Thursday (August 14, 2025), according to Hockey Bengal (HB) sources.

The sports icon was suffering from an advanced stage of parkinson’s disease. He was 80 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Born in 1945, Paes presented a rare combination of two professions as a medical practitioner who excelled in hockey. He was born in 1945 in goa and played hockey at the school and college levels. He was an energetic center-half whose career coincided with another legendary center-half-1975 World Cup-Winning Captain Ajit Pal Singh.

He was a medical student when he was selected for the Indian team and made his international debut at the Hamburg International Cup in 1966.

Archive Image of Leander With His Father Dr. VECE PAES, after winning the Olympic Medal in Tennis in 1996 | Photo Credit: From the Hindu Archives

“Vace made his debut when I was the captain. Beighton Cups and Nine Calcutta League Titles. 1971 World Cup (Where India Bagged A Bronze) and 1972 Olympics, “His long-time friend and 1964 olympics Gold Medallist Gurbux Singh Said.

“Vas was soft spoken and a fin gentleman. I cannot compare

Dr. Paes worked as a medical doctor and a sports Science Expert, Providing Assistance to Not only his illustrious son but also to other prominent athletes from tennis, foom tennis, foom tennis, football and crocket. He worked as a medical consultant with the board for control of cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Davis Cup Team. His exemplary work, managing Anti-Doping Education Programmes at the BCCI and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is highly appreciated.

He Once Famously said, “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.”

Dr. Paes was a regular at all hb Events, Including the Beighton Cup, In the City and Kept in Touch with the Sport Until he Fell Ill.

Hockey India President and Former India Captain Dilip Tirkey said, “It is a sad day for us. Always been inspired by his passion for sports in general. ”