Goa, Aug. 14 -- Vece Paes, the former Indian hockey player and father of tennis legend Leander Paes, passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable and multifaceted legacy in Indian sports. A bronze medalist at the 1972 Munich Olympics and part of the Indian squad that clinched bronze at the 1971 Hockey World Cup in Barcelona, Paes was celebrated not just for his prowess on the field, but for his wide-ranging contributions as a sportsman, mentor, and medical expert.

Paes played as a midfielder, displaying exceptional skill and leadership in a golden era of Indian hockey. His Olympic and World Cup triumphs placed him among the elite athletes of his generation. Yet, his sporting excellence was not limited to hockey-Paes also exc...