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Sports World Mourns Suresh Kalmadi, Former IOA President & Architect of Indian Athletics

The Indian sports community is mourning the death of former Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, who passed away in Pune at the age of 81. Current IOA president PT Usha and Athletics Federation of India officials paid heartfelt tributes, highlighting his decades of service. Kalmadi served as president of the AFI for nearly 20 years and the IOA for over a decade, introducing key developmental programs. His legacy includes organizing the 2010 Commonwealth Games and initiating reforms that transformed Indian athletics.

Key Points: Suresh Kalmadi, Former IOA President, Passes Away at 81

  • Former IOA president passed away at 81
  • PT Usha, AFI members pay tributes
  • Led athletics federation for nearly two decades
  • Key organizer of 2010 Commonwealth Games
  • Introduced developmental programs in Indian athletics
2 min read

PT Usha, members of AFI mourn former IOA president Suresh Kalmadi's demise

PT Usha, AFI mourn Suresh Kalmadi's demise. The former IOA president was a key figure in Indian sports administration for decades.

"He will always be remembered as a dedicated and inspirational sports administrator - Bahadur Singh Sagoo"

New Delhi, Jan 6

Legendary former track and field athlete P.T. Usha and members of the Athletics Federation of India mourned the death of Suresh Kalmadi, India's seasoned sports administrator and former president of the Indian Olympic Association, who passed away in Pune on Tuesday. Kalmadi, who was 81, is survived by his wife, Meera Kalmadi, and his daughters and son.

He was a prominent leader in Indian sports administration, serving as president of the AFI and the Asian Athletics Association. Additionally, he served as IOA president for over a decade.

Current IOA chair, PT Usha, shared her condolences on X as she wrote, "As IOA President, I am saddened by the demise of former IOA President Shri. Suresh Kalmadi ji. He was also President of 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!"

"He will always be remembered as a dedicated and inspirational sports administrator whose unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian athletics has left an indelible mark. He also made efforts to initiate Railway travel concessions for sportspersons," Bahadur Singh Sagoo, president of AFI, said in a statement.

Furthermore, Lalit Bhanot, former secretary of AFI, said, "His (Kalmadi's) contribution to Indian sports will be remembered for a long time. He revived the National Games, which helped build modern infrastructure across the country. He introduced prize money track-and-field permit meets in the early 1990s and invited elite foreign athletes, including Olympic champions like Carl Lewis and Mike Powell, which changed the concept of sports in the country."

Kalmadi served as president of the Indian athletics federation from 1987 to 2006 and was a member of the World Athletics Council. He also led the Asian athletics organisation for nearly ten years, starting in 2000.

During his tenure as president of the IOA from 1996 to 2012, Kalmadi played a key role in organising the Afro-Asian Games in Andhra Pradesh. He also transformed Indian sports broadly and athletics specifically during his long tenure. Additionally, he was the chairman of the organising committee for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Om Shanti. His tenure saw Indian athletics get more visibility and structure. The travel concessions for sportspersons was a game-changer for many athletes from humble backgrounds. We should acknowledge the good work alongside other aspects.
R
Rohit P
Inviting Carl Lewis to India in the 90s! That must have been incredible for our athletes to witness. He had a vision to put Indian sports on the global map. A long innings in sports administration comes to an end. Condolences to his family.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from an international perspective, his leadership in the Asian Athletics Association shows he was a significant figure in the continent's sports. Rest in peace.
V
Vikram M
The National Games revival was a big deal. It forced states to build stadiums and sports complexes that are still in use today. His impact on ground-level infrastructure is his real legacy. 🙏
K
Karthik V
It's important to separate the administrator from the controversies. For nearly 20 years at AFI, he shaped policies that directly affected athletes' lives. The prize money meets gave our athletes a real platform and incentive. A life of service, despite the flaws.

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