BCCI mourns the passing of Dr. Vece Paes

The sports world is yet to overcome the sad news of former Indian Olympian and renowned sports medicine expert, Dr. Vece Paes, who took his last breath on Thursday at the age of 80.

After a successful career in hockey, Vece Paes joined the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as an Anti-Doping and Age Verification Consultant. He was a member of India’s bronze medal-winning men’s hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Dr. Paes was a multi-faceted sportsman and administrator who also represented the country in the 1971 Hockey World Cup. Following his illustrious playing career, he dedicated himself to the field of sports medicine, serving athletes across disciplines with distinction and care.

He was associated with the board from October 2010 to March 2018, and by then, he conducted his duties precisely. To reduce doping instances, he introduced unique educational programs and awareness programs as well with BCCI to make players thoroughly aware about the bad effects of doping. His expertise, enthusiasm, and willingness to build a clean sports community became instrumental for BCCI's anti-doping programs.

Statement from BCCI

Along with that, Paes worked relentlessly on age verifications and athlete welfare initiatives. The death of Dr. Vece Paes is a setback for the cricket governing body of India too. The board released a statement about the incident.

"Dr. Paes’s association with the BCCI reflected his belief in safeguarding the spirit of sport. His meticulous work in anti-doping, including the introduction of educational initiatives, and his efforts in age verification have benefitted generations of cricketers. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Leander Paes, his family, and loved ones," BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia said.