Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi Passes away at 81

Union Minister, senior Congress leader, and veteran sports administrator Suresh Kalmadi.

Former Union Minister, senior Congress leader, and veteran sports administrator Suresh Kalmadi passed away on Monday at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.

According to information released by his office, Kalmadi's mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, until 2 pm on Tuesday to allow people to pay their last respects. The cremation will take place at Vaikunth Smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 pm.

Kalmadi was a prominent political figure and played a significant role in India's sports administration. He served as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for several years and was closely associated with the development and promotion of sports at the national level.

He came under national scrutiny in connection with the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption case and was booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged misappropriation of funds. He was arrested in April 2011, following which the Congress party suspended him.

Despite the controversy, Kalmadi continued to retain influence within sports bodies. In 2016, he and Abhay Singh Chautala were appointed life presidents of the IOA by a panel of over 150 members. However, after the Union Sports Minister sought a probe into the decision, Kalmadi declined the honor, stating in a letter to then IOA President N. Ramachandran that the timing was not appropriate for him to accept the post.

Before entering active politics, Kalmadi served as a pilot in the Indian Air Force from 1964 to 1972 and retired in 1974. He later entered public life and went on to serve as Minister of State for Railways between 1995 and 1996 during a Congress-led government. He also represented Pune as a Member of Parliament for multiple terms.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed deep condolences, stating that Kalmadi's demise has created a significant void in Pune's political, social, cultural, and sports spheres. In his condolence message, Pawar recalled Kalmadi's journey from an Indian Air Force pilot to a seasoned leader who left a lasting imprint on Pune's public life.

He noted that initiatives such as the Pune Festival and the Pune International Marathon, launched under Kalmadi's leadership, helped give the city national and international recognition. "His contributions to Pune's social and cultural life will always be remembered. With his passing, the city has lost an experienced and influential leader," Pawar said in his tribute.