Dr Vece Paes, Olympic hockey bronze medallist and a pioneer in sports medicine, passed away on Thursday. He was 80.
Born in April 1945 in Goa, Dr Paes excelled in multiple sports and academics. A midfielder in the Indian hockey team, he was a part of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Beyond hockey, he showcased his versatility by playing divisional cricket, football, and rugby. His passion for rugby led him to serve as the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002.
Dr Paes studied medicine in Kolkata and combined his expertise in the field with his commitment to sport. He played a pivotal role in sports administration, particularly in sports medicine, where his contributions earned widespread acclaim. His work with the Asian Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), managing anti-doping education programmes, remains highly regarded.
A stalwart of Indian sport, Dr Paes leaves behind a legacy of excellence both on and off the field, inspiring generations of athletes and administrators alike.
