Former Union Minister and IOA Chief Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away
Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune early Tuesday following a prolonged illness, drawing tributes from political and sports circles.
PUNE- Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune early Tuesday following a prolonged illness. He was 81 years old at the time of his death, family sources and official statements confirmed.
Kalmadi breathed his last at around 3:30 a.m. at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment. His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in the Erandwane area of Pune till 2 p.m., with cremation scheduled later in the afternoon at Vaikunth Crematorium in Navi Peth.
A prominent figure in Indian public life, Kalmadi’s political career spanned several decades. He represented Pune in the Lok Sabha multiple times, held significant portfolios including Minister of State for Railways, and was widely known for his long tenure as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Also Read- Arunachal ‘Spiderman’ Seeks Justice for Angel Chakma
Beyond politics, Kalmadi was deeply involved in sports administration at the national and continental levels, including leadership roles in the Asian Athletics Association. His influence extended into organising major sporting events and efforts to promote athletics within India.
His passing has evoked responses from leaders across party lines. Politicians and sports personalities paid tribute to his contributions to public life, noting his long association with both political and sports institutions.
Also Read- Shrinate, Gogoi Join Assam Youth Congress Padyatra
Kalmadi is survived by his wife, a son and daughter-in-law, two married daughters and a son-in-law, as well as grandchildren. Family members and close associates gathered in Pune following news of his death.
His career was not without controversy. As chairman of the 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Kalmadi drew national attention during investigations into the event’s financial irregularities, resulting in legal proceedings that lasted for years. A report by the Enforcement Directorate in 2025 led to closure of the money laundering case against him.
Despite the controversies, Kalmadi remained active in public and sports administration circles, and maintained a lasting presence in Maharashtra’s political and civic landscape.
