Tributes Pour In for Suresh Kalmadi, Former Union Minister and Sports Leader

Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away at 81

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away at his residence in Pune on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 81 years old and took his last breath around 3:30 AM. Kalmadi is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

According to family members, his body will be available for public viewing at Kalmadi House in Erandwane until 2 PM on Tuesday. The cremation is scheduled for the same day at 3:30 PM at the Vaikunth crematorium located in Navi Peth, Pune.

Leaders from various political parties expressed their sorrow over his passing and paid tribute to his contributions to public life.

Who Was Suresh Kalmadi?

Suresh Kalmadi was a prominent figure who carved a niche for himself in both Indian sports and national politics. As a former Minister of State for Railways and the past president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Kalmadi remained a significant and influential personality for decades.

A key political leader in Pune, Kalmadi represented the city multiple times in the Lok Sabha and held several important positions throughout his extensive political career. He was widely regarded as one of Pune's most powerful leaders, often referred to as a 'kingmaker' in the city's political landscape.

From Pilot to Politician

Kalmadi's journey was as remarkable as it was unconventional. He began his professional life as a pilot in the Indian Air Force before entering politics. Over the years, he served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament and held ministerial responsibilities at the central level. His role in shaping Pune's infrastructure and development earned him a lasting legacy in the city.

His deep interest in sports defined another significant chapter of his life. As the president of the Indian Olympic Association, he led Indian sports administration for many years. The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi marked the pinnacle of his sports career. Although the event later became embroiled in controversies that affected his political standing, he was credited with elevating Indian sports to a global platform and drawing unprecedented attention to sports infrastructure.