Kolkata: Dr. Vece Paes, a former Indian hockey player and father of tennis legend Leander Paes, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. A member of India’s 1972 Munich Olympics hockey team that won the bronze medal, Paes was widely respected both for his sports achievements and his contributions to sports medicine.

Born in Goa, Paes was known for his exceptional defensive skills on the hockey field. After retiring from competitive sport, he went on to become a prominent sports physician, serving several Indian teams and mentoring athletes across disciplines.

Tributes poured in from the sporting community, with many remembering him as a “gentle giant” who balanced discipline with compassion. His son, Leander Paes — one of India’s most celebrated tennis players and an Olympic bronze medallist — has often credited his father’s discipline and values for shaping his own career.

Paes is survived by his wife, Jennifer, a former basketball player, and son Leander. Funeral details are yet to be announced.