A Legend’s Legacy in Indian Hockey

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Indian sports lost a towering figure with the passing of Dr. Vece Paes in Kolkata at the age of 80. A charismatic midfielder from the golden era of Indian hockey, Paes was a key member of the 1972 Munich Olympics team that clinched a bronze medal, etching his name in the annals of Indian sports history. His death marks the end of an era, as noted by Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey, who described it as a “sad day for Indian hockey.”

Born in Goa in April 1945, Vece Paes was not just an exceptional athlete but also a scholar, embodying the spirit of excellence both on and off the field. His contribution to India’s sole medal at the 1972 Olympics—a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands—remains a testament to his skill and determination. Beyond hockey, Paes showcased his versatility in divisional cricket, football, and rugby, later serving as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.

A Multifaceted Sports Icon

Dr. Paes was more than just an athlete; he was a pioneer in sports medicine and administration. After earning his MBBS from Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, he specialized in sports medicine, serving as a consultant for the All India Tennis Association, the Indian Olympic Association, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His work in anti-doping and athlete fitness programs set new standards in Indian sports. As president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, he left an indelible mark on sports administration.

Hockey India’s statement mourned Paes as an “unshakable pillar of Indian sports,” whose legacy inspired countless athletes. His son, tennis legend Leander Paes, often credited his father’s passion for sports as a driving force behind his own Olympic bronze medal win in 1996. The Paes family’s commitment to representing India on the global stage is a story of dedication and pride.

Tributes Pour In from the Sports Fraternity

The sports community united in grief, with tributes highlighting Paes’ enduring influence. Dr. Dilip Tirkey, reflecting on his personal encounters with Paes, praised his advocacy for a sporting culture in India. “His passion for sports was infectious,” Tirkey said, expressing condolences to Paes’ wife, Jennifer, a former basketball captain, and their family. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid her respects, noting his contributions to hockey and sports medicine.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram and former hockey captain Viren Rasquinha echoed similar sentiments, with Rasquinha recalling Paes’ role as team doctor during the 2004 Athens Olympics. Four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay described him as a “true motivator” whose legacy will live on.

A Lasting Impact

Dr. Vece Paes’ passing, after battling Parkinson’s disease and multiorgan dysfunction, leaves a void in Indian sports. Admitted to Woodlands Hospital on August 12, 2025, he had been under care for months. His funeral, held later in the week, saw an outpouring of love from the sporting world. As India bids farewell to this 1972 Olympic hero, his legacy as a player, doctor, and administrator will continue to inspire future generations.

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