Tag: IndianSports

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Vece Paes, Olympic Hockey Medallist and Father of Leander Paes, Passes Away at 80

Tanisha Cardozo

India bids farewell to Dr. Vece Paes, a decorated Olympian, passionate sportsman, and respected administrator, who passed away at the age of 80. Known for his achievements on and off the field, he leaves behind a legacy that spans decades and disciplines.

🏑 The Athlete

Dr. Paes was a midfielder in the Indian hockey team that won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics — a highlight in Indian hockey’s storied history. A charismatic presence on the field, he was part of the generation that upheld India’s hockey legacy on the world stage.

🩺 The Scholar and Healer

After retiring from hockey, Paes went on to become a sports medicine specialist, serving as a medical consultant for the Asian Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and other major sports organizations. He was instrumental in promoting anti-doping education and modern sports science in India.

🏆 The Leader

Dr. Paes held leadership roles across Indian sport — he served as President of the Indian Rugby Football Union (1996–2002) and also presided over the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, one of the oldest clubs in the world.

👨‍👦 The Father and Mentor

Dr. Paes was also the proud father of Leander Paes, India’s tennis icon and Olympic bronze medallist. Their bond went beyond family, with Leander often citing his father as his “inspiration and best friend.” A touching moment was captured when Dr. Paes made a surprise video for his son after a Grand Slam win — filled with humor, pride, and gentle prodding about retirement.

“You’ve impressed us,” he said, “but when are you retiring?”
Leander, visibly moved, responded, “That’s the first time he’s said I impressed him.”

🕊️ A Nation Mourns

Dr. Paes had been battling advanced Parkinson’s disease and was admitted to a city hospital earlier this week before his peaceful passing. Hockey India mourned the loss, calling him “an unshakable pillar of Indian sports.”

His contributions were not just to Indian hockey, but to the broader sporting ecosystem — a rare blend of excellence in competition, innovation in medicine, and integrity in administration.

🙏 Rest in power, Dr. Vece Paes.
 Your legacy will continue through every athlete you mentored, every cause you championed, and every Indian who takes pride in sport.

Sports

Diya Chitale & Manush Shah Finish Runners-Up in Mixed Doubles at WTT Star Contender Brazil 2025

allycaralgoa

August 5, 2025 – Brazil India’s table tennis stars Diya Chitale and Manush Shah wrapped up a stellar campaign at the WTT Star Contender Brazil 2025, finishing runners-up in the Mixed Doubles category after a thrilling final match.

The Indian pair went head-to-head against Japan’s Honoka Hashimoto and Satoshi Aida in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite an impressive effort, Chitale and Shah narrowly lost 2-3 in a gripping five-game final.

🌟 A Breakout Moment

Their run to the final included standout performances and impeccable coordination, showcasing the rising talent in Indian table tennis. The silver medal marks one of the most significant achievements for the duo on the WTT circuit and adds momentum to India’s international sports presence.

“It was a close match and we gave it everything,” said Manush post-match. “We’re proud of how far we came, and this only motivates us to keep pushing.”

🇮🇳 Proudly Representing India

For Indian fans, this performance reaffirms the country’s rising status in global table tennis. With increased visibility, international experience, and consistent performances, Chitale and Shah are rapidly becoming names to watch.

Their performance in Brazil follows a pattern of Indian players making deeper runs in WTT events, laying the groundwork for greater success in future championships.

📖 Read more inspiring sports stories on allycaral.com

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Becomes First Indian Woman to Enter FIDE World Cup Final

allycaralgoa

Batumi, Georgia | July 24, 2025 — In a watershed moment for Indian chess, Divya Deshmukh, just 18 years old, has become the first Indian woman to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup.

Facing off against former World Champion Mariya Muzychuk in the semi-finals, Divya displayed fearless tactical aggression combined with razor-sharp positional play, defeating the Ukrainian grandmaster in a high-stakes thriller.

The Rise of a Young Champion

Divya’s World Cup journey has captured global attention, not only for her age but for the maturity and confidence she’s brought to every board. This latest victory under pressure cements her as one of the most promising young stars in the international chess arena.

“She played fearlessly, out-calculating a former World Champion under pressure — it’s a performance for the ages,” said a FIDE commentator post-match.

Final Showdown Awaits

Divya will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Koneru Humpy, India’s most decorated female chess player, and Lei Tingjie of China. The final is scheduled to take place on July 25 in Batumi.

If she wins, Divya will not only become a World Cup Champion but will also solidify her place among India’s chess greats — alongside Vishwanathan Anand, Humpy, and Harika Dronavalli.

Inspiring the Next Generation

This milestone is more than just personal glory — it’s a powerful symbol of India’s growing dominance in world chess, particularly in women’s sport.

Her rise from national prodigy to global finalist is inspiring a generation of young players, especially girls, to pursue the sport seriously.

Sports

LA 2028 Countdown: Time to Walk the Talk on Indian Sports

allycaralgoa

Exactly three years from now, the world will gather in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics. While social media will likely be filled with countdowns and patriotic posts, this milestone should be more than just a reminder on our timelines. It’s a wake-up call to act, not just admire.

India’s Olympic aspirations have always been fueled by talent, but not always matched by systemic support. While cricket dominates headlines, countless promising athletes in disciplines like wrestling, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, shooting, and boxing continue to struggle for visibility and funding.

This is the perfect time to:

  • Invest in grassroots programs and sports education in schools.
  • Upgrade infrastructure in every state—not just metros.
  • Provide mental health and diet support for athletes year-round.
  • Promote gender inclusivity and empower more women athletes.
  • Celebrate regional sporting events as seriously as global ones.

From Tokyo to Paris and now on to LA 2028, each Olympic cycle should not just be about medals—but about building a sports culture. It’s not just the job of athletes or federations. Parents, schools, media, corporates, and citizens—everyone plays a role in shaping the sporting future of India.

So instead of cheering only when the medals are won, let’s start cheering when training begins.

🎯 Let LA 2028 be the year India arrives, not just competes.