Tributes Pour In for Hockey Legend Vece Paes Following His Passing
A Heartfelt Farewell to Vece Paes
Kolkata (West Bengal) - August 14: West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her sorrow over the passing of hockey icon and Olympic bronze medalist Vece Paes, stating that "his legacy in hockey and sports medicine will be cherished."
Vece Paes, a celebrated figure in Indian hockey and father of tennis star Leander Paes, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 80. Hockey India confirmed the news through their official social media account.
In a post on social media, CM Banerjee shared, "I am saddened by the loss of Dr. Vece Paes, a member of the bronze medal-winning team at the 1972 Olympics. His contributions to hockey and sports medicine will not be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, including Leander, his friends, and the many clubs in Kolkata he was part of."
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…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 14, 2025
Woodlands Hospital, where Vece was receiving treatment, confirmed his passing, noting he had been admitted just two days prior due to multiorgan dysfunction stemming from lower respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. The hospital also revealed that he had been battling Parkinson's disease for a long time.
In their statement, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Dr. Vece Paes, who was a prominent member of India's bronze medal-winning hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics and a respected sports medicine expert. Dr. Paes began his medical career at NRS Medical College and Woodlands Hospital in the 1960s.
He was admitted to Woodlands Hospital on August 12, 2025, under the care of Dr. Soutik Panda, critical care specialist, due to multiorgan dysfunction. Despite extensive medical efforts, Dr. Paes passed away early on August 14, 2025.
Woodlands Hospital extended its condolences to his family, friends, and the sports community during this difficult time.
Hockey India, in a statement released shortly after, referred to Vece as a "charismatic" midfielder from the "golden era of Indian Hockey." He played a crucial role in securing India's only medal at the 1972 Olympics, winning bronze by defeating the Netherlands 2-1. Germany claimed gold, while Pakistan took silver.
Vece also represented India in the Hockey World Cup, being part of the 1971 team that finished third in Barcelona. His son, Leander, made history 24 years later by winning a bronze medal in men's singles tennis at the 1996 Olympics, becoming the first Asian to achieve this feat.
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed his sadness, stating, "Today is a somber day for us in Hockey India. The passing of Dr. Paes marks the end of a remarkable era in hockey. The Olympic medal in Munich stands as a testament to their determination. I had the privilege of meeting him several times, and his passion for sports was truly inspiring. He was a strong advocate for fostering a sporting culture in our nation. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Jennifer, son Leander, and their entire family during this time of grief."
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also conveyed his condolences, stating, "On behalf of Hockey India, we express our deepest sympathies to Leander, his mother, and their family. His contributions to sports and sports science will always be remembered, and his legacy will endure."
Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes excelled in both athletics and academics. Beyond his sporting accomplishments, he was a doctor specializing in sports medicine and served as president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club. Leander often credited his father's influence in shaping his own sporting journey, especially his dedication to representing India at the Olympics.
In addition to hockey, Vece showcased his talents in cricket, football, and rugby. His passion for rugby led him to serve as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.