Dr. Vece Paes, father of India's legendary tennis player Leander Paes, passed away on Thursday, August 14 at the age of 80 years in Kolkata. Paes, who was suffering from an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease, was admitted to a city hospital on Tuesday morning. He was a part of the Indian hockey team that won bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Who was Vece Paes?
Dr Vece Paes was a true all-rounder in the world of sports, demonstrating remarkable versatility throughout his career. He also competed at competitive levels in cricket, football, and rugby, reflecting his wide-ranging sporting abilities.
His passion for rugby continued off the field as well—he served as President of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002, playing a key role in promoting and developing the sport in India.
A trained medical doctor from Kolkata, Dr. Paes combined his medical knowledge with his love for sports to make impactful contributions to the field of sports medicine. He became a leading voice in anti-doping education, working with major organizations such as the Asian Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In these roles, he oversaw anti-doping education programs and helped shape national standards in athletic healthcare. His unique blend of medical expertise and athletic experience allowed him to address the specific health needs of athletes, earning him respect across India's sporting community.
