A Tribute to Suresh Kalmadi: The Legacy of an Indian Sports Pioneer
Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away, Leaving a Void in Indian Sports
New Delhi: The Indian sports community is mourning the loss of former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, who passed away early Tuesday at a Pune hospital. His death is seen as a significant loss for the Olympic movement in India.
Kalmadi, who was 81 years old, had a prominent presence in sports administration for over twenty years. Current IOA president PT Usha expressed her sorrow on social media, stating, "As IOA President, I am saddened by the demise of former IOA President Shri. Suresh Kalmadi ji. He was also President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for nearly two decades, where he initiated various developmental programs for athletics in India. My condolences to his family! Om Shanti!"
As IOA President, I am saddened by the demise of former IOA President Shri. Suresh Kalmadi ji. He was also President AFI for nearly two decades where he introduced numerous developmental programs for the growth of Athletics in India. My condolences to his family!
Om Shanti!— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) January 6, 2026
Lalit Bhanot, a long-time associate of Kalmadi and former AFI Secretary, described the news as a personal loss, emphasizing Kalmadi's unparalleled contributions to Indian sports.
"It is heartbreaking to learn about the sudden passing of our dear friend and sports leader. His efforts to elevate Indian sports will be cherished," Bhanot remarked, noting Kalmadi's significant role in organizing major events like the Afro-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Bhanot highlighted Kalmadi's initiatives to attract foreign athletes to India, including the introduction of prize money for track-and-field events in the early 1990s, which transformed the sports landscape in the country.
"He was an exceptional sports administrator and a wonderful person. My condolences go out to his family and supporters. This is a personal loss for all of us. We will miss him dearly. RIP," he added.
Rajeev Mehta, former IOA Secretary General, also expressed his condolences, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Suresh Kalmadi. His loss is profound for the Indian sporting community and the Olympic movement in India."
Mehta acknowledged Kalmadi's pivotal role in shaping sports administration in India, noting that the establishment of Olympic Bhawan is a testament to his vision and dedication.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and all those connected to the sporting community. May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions to Indian sports be forever remembered," Mehta, who currently serves as Secretary General of the Fencing Association of India, added.
Kalmadi held the position of IOA president from 1996 to 2011, making him one of the longest-serving leaders of the country's Olympic body. He also served as president of the Asian Athletics Association and was a member of the IAAF (now World Athletics) Council, solidifying his status as a powerful figure in international sports administration.
Adille Sumariwalla, vice president of World Athletics, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "Feeling profound sorrow and deep regret at the passing of the dynamic Shri Suresh Kalmadi, former President of Indian Olympic Association and Athletics Federation of India. He was a giant sports administrator."
Feeling profound sorrow and deep regret at the passing of the dynamic Shri Suresh Kalmadi, former President of Indian Olympic Association and Athletics Federation of India. He was a giant sports administrator.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. #InMemoriam pic.twitter.com/imeFeaIcxi
— Dr. Adille. J. Sumariwalla. OLY (@Adille1) January 6, 2026
AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo paid tribute to Kalmadi, stating, "He will always be remembered as a dedicated and inspirational sports administrator whose unwavering commitment to Indian athletics has left a lasting impact. He also worked to initiate railway travel concessions for athletes."
During Kalmadi's tenure as IOA chief, India celebrated a historic achievement at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where shooter Abhinav Bindra secured the nation's first individual Olympic gold medal.
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Suresh Kalmadi. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find strength in this difficult time," Bindra shared on social media.
Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Suresh Kalmadi. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find strength in this difficult time.
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) January 6, 2026
Kalmadi also chaired the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, an event that faced its share of controversies related to corruption and mismanagement.
He was instrumental in the development of athletics and sports infrastructure in Pune, his parliamentary constituency, and played a vital role in initiatives like the Pune International Marathon, which has become a staple in the Indian athletics calendar.