He was the former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Athletics Federation of India, and the president of the Asian Athletics Association
(From left) Sunil Dutt, former sports minister; SM Krishna, former Maharashtra governor; Vilasrao Deshmukh, ex-union minister; Suresh Kalmadi, ex-union minister and IOA chief. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE
The brothers Anil and Vivek Singh, of Procam International, promoters of the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM), said at the outset as a tribute to the late Suresh Kalmadi, “I am sure Kalmadi will be smiling from up there,” flagging off the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) as thousands take to the Mumbai streets on Sunday, January 18.
Kalmadi, a senior Congress leader and former Union minister, passed away in Pune on Tuesday, after a prolonged illness. He was 81. As a sports administrator, he was a towering figure. He was the former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Athletics Federation of India, and the president of the Asian Athletics Association.
Those who have followed the TMM through the years — the event is in its 21st edition this year — will recall Kalmadi flagging off the race through all the excitement and adrenaline as runners surged to the start line.
MM promoters Anil Singh (left) and Vivek Singh
Vivek said, “Kalmadi was a harbinger of change in Indian sport. I recall how he brought in ITC as a sponsor for athletics all those years ago, and because of this, we had a slew of Asian athletics meets in the country. He understood that for Indian sport to take that great leap of faith, we needed the oxygen of professionalism, top sponsorship and management to make that change. He gave the sponsors their mileage with great visibility and branding.”
Vivek added, “Kalmadi was very fond of Anil, and both of us were struck by one factor — his attention to detail. He could look at both the macro picture and the micro one, without missing a beat.”
A great supporter of the Mumbai marathon, Anil recalled how he and his brother were buoyed by Kalmadi’s belief in them. Both said, “Initially, Kalmadi did wonder more than two decades ago how these two young men would pull off an event of this magnitude. Yet, he was a visionary, spirited and tough, and we ‘felt’ his heft and presence throughout.”
In the end, Anil said it was Kalmadi who recognised the importance of intersecting sport with professionalism and entrepreneurship; together, the two could transform the sporting landscape.”
Narinder D Batra, who headed the IOA from 2017 to 2022, said on Facebook, “Deeply pained by the passing of my dear and respected friend Mr Suresh Kalmadi, former president of the Indian Olympic Association and a seasoned politician. He devoted his life to public service and Indian sport with passion and conviction. His warmth, friendship, and contributions will be remembered always.”
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