Legendary Indian Hockey Keeper Vece Paes Passes Away at 80

Updated on: August 14, 2025, 12:36 PM IST

Former Indian hockey legend Vece Paes passed away early Thursday at the age of 80. Known for his dynamic presence as a midfielder, he lit up Kolkata Maidan and was a crucial part of the team that clinched the Olympic bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Games. He also secured a bronze at the first World Cup in Barcelona in 1971.

Vece Paes left behind a remarkable legacy that inspired numerous athletes and sports enthusiasts.

“It is a sorrowful day for us at Hockey India. Dr. Paes’s demise marks the end of a significant era in hockey. The Olympic medal in Munich symbolizes their grit and perseverance. I had the privilege of meeting him several times, and his passion for sports has always inspired me,” said Hockey India (HI) President Dilip Tirkey.

“He was a staunch proponent of fostering a sporting culture in India. Hockey India extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Jennifer, his son, Leander, and their entire family. We stand united in their grief,” he added.

Paes was married to former Indian basketball captain Jennifer Paes and was the father of tennis legend Leander Paes. The father-son duo is among the rare instances in India to possess Olympic bronze medals, with Leander winning his at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Also Read: The parent-coach relationship is symbiotic in a child’s life: Vece Paes

As a physician and sports medicine expert, Paes collaborated with various sports associations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He was involved in the anti-doping programs of both BCCI and the Indian Super League and contributed to age-verification in cricket.

At AIFF, he developed and implemented strength and fitness assessment programs for national teams and served as East Bengal football team’s fitness consultant in the late 1990s.

HI Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh stated: “On behalf of Hockey India, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Leander, his mother, and their family. His contributions to sports and sports science will be remembered, and his legacy will endure forever.”

Born in Goa in April 1945, Paes excelled in both sports and academics. He spent much of his life in Kolkata, a city he loved dearly. Paes attributed his growth as a physician and athlete to Kolkata. He also served as the president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club.

Besides hockey, Paes engaged in league cricket, football, and rugby. His passion for rugby led him to become the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.