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Indian tennis legend Leander Paes suffered a heartbreaking personal loss after his mother and former Indian basketball team captain Jennifer Paes passed away at the age of 72 on Sunday, May 17. Jennifer, who had been battling cancer for a prolonged period, breathed her last in Kolkata.
As per reports, Jennifer Paes’ funeral service was held at St Thomas Church in Kolkata in the presence of close family members and well-wishers. Her passing marks the end of an important chapter in Indian sports history, with Jennifer remembered not only as a celebrated athlete but also as one of the strongest pillars behind Leander Paes’ iconic tennis career.
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Jennifer Paes leaves behind a remarkable sporting legacy
Born Jennifer Dutton, she represented India in basketball and also captained the national side during her playing days. Apart from her achievements on the court, Jennifer was also an Olympian and remained a respected figure in Indian sports circles for decades.
"She was terminally ill cancer patient and passed away on Sunday. The funeral service was held today at St Thomas Church in Kolkata," a family source said as quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI).
The Karnataka State Basketball Association (KSBBA) paid tribute to her contribution to Indian sports and acknowledged the impact she had both as an athlete and as a mother who inspired generations.
“Her contribution to Indian sports and her legacy as an outstanding athlete and inspiring mother will always be remembered,” the KSBBA said in a statement.
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Jennifer also belonged to a historically significant family, being the great-great-granddaughter of renowned Bengali poet and dramatist Michael Madhusudan Dutt.
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