An era in Indian sports came to an end on Sunday morning as former international basketball player and Olympian Jennifer Paes passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was the mother of Indian tennis legend Leander Paes and the wife of former Indian hockey star Vece Paes.
Jennifer Paes was one of the most respected names in Indian women’s basketball and had captained the national team during her playing career. Her contribution to Indian sports, both as an athlete and as a guiding figure in one of India’s most celebrated sporting families, remains unforgettable.
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Deepest condolences to the @Leandersays and his family .
Jennifer Paes was the former captain of the Indian women’s basketball team and a pioneering Olympian.
Rest in peace , Jennifer Mam.#JenniferPaes pic.twitter.com/qFvPY4TVaS— Paramita Dutta (@149paramita) May 17, 2026
Following the news of her demise, condolences poured in from across the sporting fraternity and political circles. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also expressed his grief through a social media post, mourning the loss and offering condolences to the Paes family.
Shubhendu Adhikari expresses his condolences
The new West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, took time to write his condolences and wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Smt. Jennifer Paes, the mother of Indian Tennis legend Leander Paes. A former Captain of the Indian Basketball team & Olympian, her immense contribution to Indian Sports and her legacy will always be remembered.”
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Deeply saddened by the passing away of Smt. Jennifer Paes; Mother of Indian Tennis legend Leander Paes.
A former Captain of the Indian Basketball team & Olympian, her immense contribution to Indian Sports and her legacy will always be remembered.
My heartfelt condolences to…— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) May 17, 2026
Adding to that, he also wrote, “My heartfelt condolences to Leander Paes and the entire family in this hour of grief. Praying for strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. May her Soul rest in Eternal Peace.”
Jennifer Paes, one of the prominent faces of Indian women’s athletes
Jennifer Paes was one of the most respected names in Indian sports and a pioneer in women’s basketball in the country. She captained the Indian women’s basketball team in 1982 and also represented India at the 1972 Summer Olympics. Jennifer often accompanied her husband, former Indian hockey player Vece Paes, during major international events.
