Remembering Dr. Vece Paes (30 April 1945 – 14 August 2025)

Down Memory Lane Notice and Updates Uncategorized

Dr. Vece Agapito Paes will be remembered forever 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 and Ashok Kumar, 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.

Vece Paes

Athletic Career

  • Olympic Medalist: He played a crucial role as a centre-half for the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

  • Multi-sport Talent: Besides 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 towards sports medicine and athlete development. It was only due to his strong impact, his son Leander became an ardent Mohun Bagan fan and one of the most admirable sports icons of India of all time.

Medical & Administrative Contributions

  • Sports Medicine Pioneer: Dr. Paes was a certified doctor in sports medicine and surgery graduating from Nil Ratan Sarkar Medical College, Calcutta, 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

  • Nature: Dr. Paes was a true gentleman with a humble, kind, honest, and friendly attitude. He used to be a very soft-spoken person, but always ready to help out others.

  • 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 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.