Born in Goa in April 1945, along with sports, Vece Paes was also good at academics. He was also a doctor of sports medicine and had served as president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club. His son Leander Paes has often spoken of his father's influence and inspiration in shaping his tennis career and the urge to represent the country
Vece Paes with son Leander (Pic: X/@Leander)
Indian hockey legend and Olympic bronze medalist Vece Paes passed away on Thursday, at the age of 80. He was the father of Indian tennis legend Leander Paes.
The official social media handle of Hockey India (HI) shared a post about his demise.
"Dr. Vece Paes, a true sports icon, sadly passed away this morning. His achievements on and off the field inspired generations. As a member of the 1972 Munich Olympics bronze-winning team, he made India proud. His legacy will live on. #RIPVecePaes #HockeyIndia," the post read.
In the statement issued on their official website minutes later, Hockey India termed Vece as a "charismatic" midfielder from the "golden era of Indian Hockey".
Vece played a crucial role in helping India earn its sole medal during the Munich Olympics in 1972 in Germany. It was a bronze medal in field hockey.
They had handed a defeat to the Netherlands in the match, which ended 2-1, in September 1972. In that edition of the Olympics, Germany clinched the gold medal, and Pakistan won the silver.
He was also a part of the Indian hockey team that participated in the Hockey World Cup 1971. The side had finished third in the mega event held in Barcelona.
24 years after his achievement, Laender made his father proud with a men's singles bronze medal in tennis during the 1996 Olympics Games, making him the first-ever Asian to secure an Olympic medal in the sport and only Indian till date.
Born in Goa in April 1945, along with sports, Vece Paes was also good at academics. He was also a doctor of sports medicine and had served as president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club.
In addition to hockey, he showed his skills by playing divisional cricket, football, and rugby. His love for rugby led him to become the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.
His son Leander Paes has often spoken of his father's influence and inspiration in shaping his tennis career and the urge to represent the country in the Olympics.
(With ANI Inputs)
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