PANAJI
Olympian Joaquim Carvalho, Goa Pollution Control board chairman and hockey fan Levinson Martins along with Assolna Hockey Club president and Cuncolim Hockey Club president remember the fond contribution of Paes to Indian sports.
Assolna villagers paid their glowing tributes to Hockey Olympian Dr Vece Paes, father of tennis legend Leander Paes who passed away on Thursday.
Fellow Olympian Joaquim Joaquim Carvalho, who also traces his roots to Assolna village and is among the four Olympians from the village besides the father-son Paes duo and Tanisha Crasto in badminton recalled the fond memories he shared with him in Mumbai and elsewhere in the country whenever they met.
“The sad passing away of a legendary Hockey player, World cupper, Olympic bronze medalist has created a vacuum in Indian sports,” said Joaquim who has been captain, coach and selector of the Indian team.
“He was a versatile player, gentleman and donned multiple hats in his long association with Indian sports. His contribution towards Indian sports in the field of Hockey and sports medicine has been immense,” added the Arjuna awardee.
“I feel proud that we hail from the same village Assolna in South Goa, the other two Olympians being Leander Paes and badminton player Tanisha Crasto,” he added.
Joaquim recalled his meetings with Dr Vece in Mumbai.
“In Bandra, Mumbai he would be regularly visiting my sports store for an evening cup of coffee and would be totally relaxed from his daily routine. We will miss his jovial company. “
Joaquim recalled as to how surprised and thrilled when they received a box full of beverages from the ace Olympians.
“My former Mahindra teammates still talk about the gentleman and his friendly conduct also when he sent a box of beverages after our engrossing semifinal thriller against a strong PIA team from Pakistan in the Aga khan tournament at the Bombay Gymkhana in the 80's.”
“May his soul rest in peace and his legacy carry on. Salute you Dr Vece,” he said on a parting note.
Fellow Olympian and Arjuna awardee Merwyn Fernandes, who along with Joaquim have launched a youth development programmes focusing on schools in Goa also mourned the death of Dr Vece Paes.
Dr Levinson Martins, a hockey fan who also hails from Assolna said Dr Vece inspired many hockey players all over the country.
“Dr Vece Paes the legendary hockey Olympian and world cup player, who got India bronze medals in 1972 Munich Olympics and Barcelona was a great son of Assolna Village, hailing from Baifoll ward. Dr Paes inspired many hockey players not only from Assolna, but also from this great country,” said Levinson.
Inspired by the rich past, Levinson along with other villagers have relaunched the defunct Assolna Hockey club in May this year.
"Recently Assolna hockey club has been launched. Efforts are on to have another Olympian joining the ranks of Dr Vece, Joaquim, Leander and Tanish Crasto, as well as world cupper from Assolna , which will be a befitting tribute to Dr Paes. My heartfelt condolences to Tennis legend Leander Paes and his family.” he added.
Cuncolim Hockey Club President Oscar Martins also mourned the death of Dr Vece.
“Cuncolim Hockey Club, deeply mourns the passing away of hockey legend from Baifoll Assolna, who was part of Olympics bronze medal winning team at Munich in 1972 as well as at world cup at Barcelona in 1971. Dr Vece Paes was a great son of Assolna who inspired many. Cuncolim Hockey Club will work hard in realizing the dream of AVC to have the next Olympian. Our condolences to Leader Paes and family,” said Oscar.
Assolna Hockey President Isaac Martins, Physical education teacher Angelo D’Silva and a promoter of football and hockey in Ambelim, Demian D’Cruz of Velim, former FIFA Assistant Referee Benjamin Silva, Glestone Ferandes, a hockey coach from Cuncolim along with educationist Vijaykumar Kopre Dessai, Neeraj Aguiar, Nixon Gomes were others who mourned the death of the hockey legend.
Fr. Agnelo Gomes, Director of the Fr Agnel Multipurpose Complex Verna along with Damodar English High School and Higher Secondary teachers Raj Dessai, Laxman Prabhudessai and Amit Dessai mourned the death of Dr Vece.
