Remembering Suresh Kalmadi: A Pillar of Indian Sports Administration

Suresh Kalmadi's Passing

Suresh Kalmadi, a prominent figure in Indian sports administration and former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), passed away in Pune on January 6 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Meera Kalmadi, along with their children. The final rites took place at Pune's Vaikunth Crematorium, as confirmed by a statement from the IOA.

A Legacy in Sports Administration

Kalmadi was a significant presence in the realm of Indian sports, having held the presidency of both the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and the Asian Athletics Association. His leadership of the IOA spanned over a decade, during which he transformed Indian sports, particularly athletics.

Lalit Bhanot, former secretary of AFI, remarked, "His contributions to Indian sports will be cherished for years to come. He revitalized the National Games, which facilitated the development of modern sports infrastructure nationwide."

In the early 1990s, Kalmadi pioneered prize money track-and-field events and attracted elite international athletes, including Olympic legends like Carl Lewis and Mike Powell, significantly altering the sports landscape in India.

From 1987 to 2006, he presided over the Indian athletics body and was a member of the World Athletics council. He also led the Asian athletics organization for nearly a decade starting in 2000.

During his tenure as IOA president from 1996 to 2012, Kalmadi played a crucial role in organizing the Afro-Asian Games in Andhra Pradesh and was the chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi.

Bahadur Singh Sagoo, president of AFI, stated, "He will be remembered as a passionate and inspiring sports administrator whose dedication to Indian athletics has made a lasting impact."

Additionally, Kalmadi advocated for railway travel concessions for athletes.