Veteran Sports Administrator Suresh Kalmadi Dies at 81; Nation’s Sporting Fraternity Mourns Loss of a Giant

Veteran sports administrator and former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81 in Pune, marking the end of an era in Indian sports administration. His death after a prolonged illness was met with deep sorrow and tributes from top sports administrators, athletes and officials across the country, who described him as a towering figure in the development of sport in India. Kalmadi, who helmed the IOA from 1996 to 2011, was one of the longest-serving presidents of the country’s apex Olympic body and played a pivotal role in shaping India’s sporting landscape during his tenure. Under his leadership, India celebrated several milestones, including a historic medal tally at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when shooter Abhinav Bindra won the country’s first individual Olympic gold medal. Top administrators, including former Athletics Federation of India (AFI) secretary Lalit Bhanot, hailed his contribution to athletics and Olympic sport as “unparalleled,” noting his efforts to revitalise the National Games and introduce developmental programmes aimed at nurturing talent across disciplines. Former IOA secretary-general Rajeev Mehta also paid tribute, calling Kalmadi’s passing a “profound loss to the Indian sporting fraternity” and highlighting his vision in establishing strong institutional frameworks such as Olympic Bhawan. Kalmadi’s influence went beyond national boundaries; he served as president of the Asian Athletics Association and was a council member of World Athletics. His leadership saw initiatives that brought high-profile international athletes to India, helping elevate the standard and visibility of athletics domestically. Despite his many contributions, his tenure was also marked by controversy, particularly surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, which faced allegations of mismanagement and corruption. However, irrespective of debates over his legacy, peers widely acknowledged his tireless dedication to Indian sport. His passing leaves a significant void in Indian sports administration, with leaders and athletes alike offering condolences to his family and reflecting on his long and impactful career.