Dr Vece Paes, who was part of the Indian hockey side winning the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has passed away on the morning of August 14. He was 80 years old and also the father of the Olympic bronze medal-winning tennis ace, Leander Paes. He was also suffering from the advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease and was admitted to the city hospital.

Vece played as a midfielder in the Indian hockey side before wearing several hats in a long association with the sport. Known for his special abilities in football, cricket, rugby, and serving as the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002, the veteran was instrumental in managing the Asian Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s anti-doping management.

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“My father is also my best friend. When I was growing up, dad and I would watch Brazil playing in the World Cup together.” Leander expressed during an old interview where he shared some of his fondest memories with his father from the past.

Vece Peas passes away at the age of 80 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease

During the recorded video of the news channel, Vece surprised his son after he won the mixed doubles title during the Australian Open in 2010. Back then, there were discussions of Leander retiring from sports.

“People keep asking when you’re going to retire, but already in 2009, you’ve won two Grand Slam men’s doubles titles and reached the finals of two mixed doubles events. In 2010, you had already won the Australian Open mixed doubles title. You’ve impressed us, and I’m sure you’re going to do well in tournaments like the Commonwealth Games and London Olympics.” The senior Paes addressed during an interview.

“The question I have here for you is, only you know when you’re going to retire from tennis. So when is that going to happen? Can you give us a hint? But more importantly, what are you going to do post-tennis? Is it going to be diplomacy? Then I feel sorry for all the diplomats out there, once you use your charm on them,” Vece pulled his son’s leg after Leander’s diplomatic winner’s speech.