Remember Dr. Vece Paes

Dr. Vece Paes was a remarkable figure in Indian sports and medicine—a true polymath whose legacy spans athletic achievement, medical innovation, and sports administration.

Mohun Bagan & Dr. Paes: A Golden Era

• 13-Year Tenure: Dr. Paes played hockey for Mohun Bagan for 13 years, a period marked by dominance and camaraderie.

• Trophy Haul: Alongside teammates like Gurbux Singh, he helped the club win nine Beighton Cup titles and nine Calcutta League championships.

• Versatility: As a centre-half, he was known for his stamina and ability to control the midfield, often surging up and down the field with relentless energy.

Athletic Career

• Olympic Medalist: He played as a midfielder for the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics

• Multi-sport Talent: Beyond hockey, he competed in cricket, football, and rugby at divisional levels.

• Rugby Leadership: Served as President of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002

Legacy Beyond the Field

• His time at Mohun Bagan wasn’t just about medals—it was about building a culture of excellence. He was admired for his sportsmanship, leadership, and later, his contributions to sports medicine and athlete development.

Medical & Administrative Contributions

• Sports Medicine Pioneer: Dr. Paes was a certified doctor in sports medicine, blending his medical expertise with athletic insight.

• Anti-Doping Advocate: He worked with the Asian Cricket Council and BCCI on anti-doping education programs.

• Club Leadership: Held the position of President of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, one of the oldest sports clubs in the world.

Personal Life & Legacy

• Family: Married to Jennifer Dutton, a former Indian basketball player and great-granddaughter of Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt.

• Father of Leander Paes: His son, Leander Paes, followed in his footsteps as an Olympic medalist in tennis.

• Roots: Born in Goa in April 1945, he passed away on August 14, 2025 at the age of 80.