Dr. Vece Paes, a former Olympic hockey player and one of India’s top sports medicine experts, died in Kolkata early Thursday at the age of 80.
He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other age related illnesses for a long time. He was admitted to Woodlands Hospital before his death. His loss is being felt deeply in the sports community across the country.
Dr. Paes was born in Goa on April 30, 1945. He was a talented player from a young age and went on to represent India in field hockey. He played as a midfielder at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where India won a bronze medal, and was also in the Indian team that won bronze at the 1971 Hockey World Cup in Barcelona. Those who saw him play remember him for his calm style, quick thinking on the field, and strong game sense.
After retiring from playing, Dr. Paes became one of India’s first and most respected sports doctors. He studied medicine at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College under the University of Calcutta and later specialised in sports medicine. His work helped athletes in many sports, including hockey, cricket, tennis, and football.
He served as the doctor and sometimes the manager of the Indian Davis Cup tennis team for many years. He also worked with the BCCI and the Asian Cricket Council and was involved in India’s anti-doping programmes to make sports cleaner and fairer.
Dr. Paes was not only a hockey player. He also played football, cricket, and rugby, and later served as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002. He also led the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club. In football, he worked with top Kolkata clubs like Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting, and East Bengal. He even helped players like Bhaichung Bhutia when requested by coaches.
He was married to Jennifer Paes, who was once the captain of the Indian women’s basketball team. They had three children, including Leander Paes, one of India’s greatest tennis players. Leander, who has won 18 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic bronze medal in tennis, has often said that his father’s guidance was key to his success.
Friends, players, and colleagues remember Dr. Paes as a soft-spoken, kind, and intelligent man who always tried to help others. Former hockey captain Viren Rasquinha said he was an ‘incredible human being’ and praised his kindness, humour, and knowledge.
His 1972 Olympics teammate Ajit Pal Singh said Dr. Paes was always ready to guide young players. Others recalled his great playing skills, leadership, and humility.Funeral arrangements are being made and will take place after his daughters, who are abroad, return to India