Sania Mirza mourns passing of Dr. Vece Paes, calls him a trusted friend and mentor
Sania Mirza paid heartfelt tributes to Dr. Vece Paes, former Olympian and father of Leander Paes, who died in Kolkata. Recalling their first meeting in 2002, she described him as a likeable professional and a trusted presence in Indian tennis.
Published Date - 14 August 2025, 01:30 PM
Hyderabad: Six-time Grand Slam winner Sania mirza paid glowing tributes to Dr. Vece Paes, former Olympian and father of Leander Paes, who passed away on Thursday in Kolkata.
“I first met Dr. Vece Paes in Busan where he was the team’s Doctor for the 2002 Asian Games. He was an extremely likeable person and a thorough professional,” Sania informed ‘Telangana Today ‘.
“Over the years I developed a trusted relationship with him as he was always part of the Indian team in Asian Games, CWG and Olympics,” said Sania, India’s greatest ever woman tennis player from Hyderabad.
“Dr. Paes’ passing away is a shock to me and several other colleagues from the tennis fraternity. My thoughts are with Leander at this difficult time for him and may God give him the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” said Sania.