Who was Dr. Vece Paes? Indian sports fraternity pay tribute to Leander's father after hockey legend’s passing

A sports journalist passionate about the moments that go beyond the scoreboard.

Published at :August 14, 2025 at 7:53 PM

Modified at :August 16, 2025 at 11:30 PM

(Courtesy : @WeAreTeamIndia/Twitter)

Vece Paes was part of Indian hockey team that won bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Dr. Vece Paes, the legendary midfielder from the golden era of Indian hockey, passed away on Thursday, August 14, at the age of 80.

He was part of the Indian hockey team that won bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1971 World Cup in Barcelona. But his influence stretched far beyond the field. He went on to become a celebrated sports physician, administrator, and mentor.

He was also the proud father of Indian tennis legend and Olympic medalist Leander Paes.

Dr. Paes had been battling with advanced Parkinson’s disease and was admitted to Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital on August 12, reportedly with multi-organ dysfunction caused by respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. For the past ten months, he had been receiving care at home.

The news of his passing drew heartfelt tributes from across the sporting world. FIH president Tayyab Ikram praised his immense contributions as both a player and sports physician.

Tributes pour in from sports world

“Very saddened by the passing of former Indian player and Olympic bronze medalist 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,” FIH President Tayyab Ikram said.

“Very saddened by the passing of former Indian player and Olympic bronze medalist 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… pic.twitter.com/dOVn5fjfOx
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) August 14, 2025

The four-time Olympian and hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Vece Paes, a great hockey player, Olympic medalist & true motivator for athletes like me. Father of 7-time Olympian & Atlanta 1996 bronze medalist Leander Paes. His legacy in Indian sports will live on. May his soul rest in peace Om Shanti.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Vece Paes, a great hockey player, Olympic medalist & true motivator for athletes like me. Father of 7-time Olympian & Atlanta 1996 bronze medalist Leander Paes. His legacy in Indian sports will live on.May his soul rest in peace Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tqv5PlNXFj
— Dhanraj Pillay (@dhanrajpillay1) August 14, 2025

Former India hockey team captain Viren Rasquinha also joined. “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,” he 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 💔 pic.twitter.com/fGGraJ7EW5
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 14, 2025

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.#RIPVecePaes #HockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/6N0KMcey5G
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 14, 2025

Beyond hockey and the field, Dr. Paes made a huge mark in sports in India. He worked with the BCCI and the Asian Cricket Council, creating fitness and anti-doping programs across 18 Asian countries. He was team doctor for India’s Davis Cup squad, and held leadership roles in rugby and football administration.

Rugby India also mourned the death of the legend and their first president. “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,” they said on their social media handles.

Rugby India mourns the demise of its 1st President Dr. Vece Paes. 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.Rest in peace, Dr. Paes. pic.twitter.com/tCfYuvdH5b
— Rugby India (@RugbyIndia) August 14, 2025

He also worked with the Indian Olympic Association at major events, and even served as president of the Calcutta Cricket & Football Club.

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. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/gJn92Jfm1z
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) August 14, 2025

Saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Vece Paes an Olympian, a healer, and a true gentleman. His contributions to Indian sport and the inspiration he provided to so many will be remembered. My thoughts are with @Leander and the entire Paes family in this difficult time.
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 14, 2025

Saddened to hear about the demise of Dr. Vece Paes – Olympic medallist, sports medicine pioneer, and father of legendary tennis player Leander Paes. His contributions to Indian sports will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and followers. May his soul…
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) August 14, 2025

My deepest condolences to @Leander and family on the passing away of Dr Vece Paes, former national hockey player, two times Olympic bronze medallist and one of Calcutta's most illustrious sons. Dr Vece Paes was not only an internationally acclaimed hockey player, he was a… pic.twitter.com/dzJJbEo15o
— Ranajit Mukherjee রণজিৎ মুখার্জী (@RanajitSpeaks) August 14, 2025

Mohun Bagan Athletic Club expresses profound grief on the demise of our esteemed former player and Olympic medalist, Dr. Vece Paes.#RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/3xr0K62RbP
— Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) August 14, 2025

Married to former basketball star Jennifer Paes, Dr. Paes leaves behind not just a family steeped in sporting excellence, but also a legacy of dedication, integrity, and service that will inspire generations to come.

Who was Dr. Vece Paes?

Dr. Vece Paes was a former Indian hockey midfielder who won bronze medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1971 Hockey World Cup in Barcelona. He later became a renowned sports physician, administrator, and mentor.

When did Dr. Vece Paes pass away and at what age?

He passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the age of 80.

What illness was Dr. Paes suffering from?

He had been battling advanced Parkinson’s disease and was reportedly admitted to Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital with multi-organ dysfunction caused by respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Who was Vece Peas to Leander Peas?

Vece Peas was the father of Indian tennis legend Leander Paes and husband to former basketball player Jennifer Paes.

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Uzma Fatima

Uzma Fatima is a passionate sports journalist who believes every match has a story waiting to be told. Whether it's the grace of Olympic champions, the grit of tennis and badminton battles, or the drama of cricket’s highs and heartbreaks — she loves capturing the emotion behind the action. Off the field, she’s a Formula 1 enthusiast who never misses a race weekend.