Prominent sports medic and father to tennis star Leander Paes, Dr Vece Paes, succumbs to death as an Olympic medallist
Dr. Vece Paes, the father of tennis legend Leander Paes and a renowned figure in Indian sports, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. Dr. Paes was a multifaceted figure who excelled in hockey, sports medicine, and sports administration.
Sporting Achievements
In his athletic career, Dr. Paes was an Olympic bronze medallist with the Indian hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He also won a bronze medal at the inaugural Hockey World Cup in Barcelona in 1971. Beyond hockey, Paes was a versatile athlete, participating in divisional cricket, football, rugby, and soccer.
Sports Medicine Pioneer
Dr. Paes made significant contributions to sports medicine in India, integrating his medical expertise with athletics. His work focused on addressing health challenges faced by athletes and establishing anti-doping education programs. From 1984 to 2000, he specialized in corporate and sports medicine, enhancing athletic healthcare standards.
A Leader in Sports Administration
Dr. Paes served as the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002, contributing to the development of rugby in India. He also worked with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to tackle age-fraud issues in cricket, introducing the Tanner Whitehouse-3 (TW-3) Test to verify player ages. Dr. Paes was also involved with the Asian Cricket Council, contributing to the broader framework of sports science and administration in Indian cricket.
Legacy in Indian Sports
Throughout his career, Dr. Paes worked as a physiotherapist for several top sports organisations in India, including the Indian cricket team, the Indian Davis Cup team, the Asian Cricket Council, and the BCCI. His legacy in Indian sports is undeniable, as he combined his passion for athletics with his expertise in medicine to make lasting impacts in both fields.
The Impact on Leander Paes
Leander Paes, who won a Bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in the Men's Singles, often spoke about polishing his father's Olympic bronze medal daily as a source of inspiration for his own sports career. In a 2020 interview, Leander Paes expressed gratitude towards his parents and sister for teaching him the responsibility of being an Olympic athlete. His words in the interview highlight the significant impact his parents had on his sports career and personal growth.
In the same interview, Leander Paes publicly acknowledged his love and appreciation for his father, emphasizing the importance of family support and guidance in the life of an athlete. The interview provides insight into Leander Paes's perspective on his responsibility as an Olympic athlete and underscores his deep appreciation for his family and their role in his success.
Dr. Vece Paes was born in 1945 in Goa. He studied medicine in Kolkata and was a midfielder in the Indian hockey team. The cause of death was age-related medical issues.
Dr. Vece Paes will be remembered as a pioneer in Indian sports and sports medicine, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of athletics. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of athletes in India.
Dr. Vece Paes, beyond his achievements in hockey, also participated in divisional cricket, football, rugby, and soccer, showcasing his versatility in sports.
In the realm of sports-analysis, Dr. Paes's work in addressing health challenges faced by athletes and establishing anti-doping education programs significantly contributed to advancing sports medicine in India.
