Naveen Condoles Demise of 1972 Olympic Bronze Medallist Dr Vece Paes

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal President and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik has condoled the demise of the 1972 Munich Olympics hockey bronze medallist and father of tennis icon Leander Paes, Dr Vece Paes, who passed away in Kolkata at the age of 80.

Taking to his ‘X’ handle, Naveen said that he was deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medal-winning hockey player Dr Vece Paes.

A pioneering figure in sports medicine and sports administration, Dr Paes will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to Indian hockey and dedication to sports development, the BJD supremo expressed.

“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medal-winning hockey player Dr Vece Paes. A pioneering figure in sports medicine and sports administration. He will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to Indian hockey and dedication to sports development. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and followers in the hour of grief”, Naveen wrote on his ‘X’ handle.

Born in Goa in April, 1945, Dr Paes was exceptional in both sports and academics. Beyond his athletic achievements, he was also a doctor of sports medicine and served as president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club.

His son, Leander Paes, often spoke of his father’s influence and inspiration in shaping his own sporting career, particularly his passion for representing India at the Olympics.

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.

An unshakeable pillar of Indian sports, the 80-year-old Dr Paes leaves behind a legacy of achievement both in and out of competition, motivating countless athletes and sports admirers.