Vece Paes, Olympic bronze medallist and Leander Paes' father, dies at 80

He passed away this morning in Kolkata.

His last rites will be performed next week after his two daughters arrive from abroad.

Battling an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease, Vece Paes was admitted to a city hospital on Tuesday.

Vece Paes was a member of the men's hockey team that won bronze in the Munich Olympics in 1972.

A pioneering sports medicine doctor, Paes made significant contributions to Indian sports long after his playing days. 

Born in Goa in April 1945, Vece Paes served in administrative roles like the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union and consulted for key sporting bodies including the BCCI, ACC, and the Indian Davis Cup team. 

Condolences pour in

In a post on its official X handle, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) condoled the passing of Dr Paes. Remembering his contribition to Indian sports, the association addressed him as 'Munich Olympic Medalist'.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) also conveyed its sorrow over the veteran sportsperson's death.

Indian Rugy Football Union paid rich tributes to its first president on its official X handle, addressing hims as 'an olympian, a seasoned sports administrator & sports medicine pioneer'.

Expressing grief over the demise of Vece Paes, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said 'his contribution to hockey and sports medicine will be remembered.' 

Saddened by the demise of Dr Vece Paes, member of the bronze medal winning team at the 1972 Olympic Games. His contribution to hockey and sports medicine will be remembered. My condolences to his family, including Leander, his friends and the members of the many clubs of Kolkata he was associated with.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari remembered the hockey legend as 'a true icon of Indian sports' and a cherished figure of Kolkata city'.

Dhanraj Pillay, one of the icons of Indian hockey, said Paes' legacy in Indian sport will continue to live on and credited him as a true motivator foe country's athletes.