August 14, 2025: Dr. Vece Paes, former Indian hockey player and father of tennis star Leander Paes, passed away today at the age of 80 after a long illness. He had been receiving treatment for Parkinson’s disease at Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata. His funeral will take place later this week once his daughters return from overseas.
Born in Goa in 1945, Dr. Paes was part of the Indian men’s hockey team that secured a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. As a midfielder, he played a crucial role in India’s performance at the Games. Following his playing career, he focused on sports medicine and athlete development, contributing to initiatives that supported health and fitness in Indian sports. He also served in cricket administration and was president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, helping nurture young talent.
Dr. Paes is best known as the father of Leander Paes, one of India’s most successful tennis players. The father-son duo holds a unique place in Indian sports history, with both earning Olympic medals in different disciplines—Vece in hockey and Leander in tennis at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Tributes have poured in from across the country. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, praising Dr. Paes’s contributions to Indian sports. Leander Paes described his father as a guiding inspiration whose legacy will continue to motivate athletes. Dr. Vece Paes leaves behind a lasting impact as a sportsman, mentor, and advocate for athlete welfare.
