Indian Sports Community Remembers Suresh Kalmadi Following His Death

Former IOA president Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune on Tuesday, leaving a significant void in Indian sports administration. He was 81 years old.

His contributions to the Olympic movement in India were widely acknowledged by top sports administrators, who expressed their deep sorrow at his demise.

Lalit Bhanot, former AFI Secretary and a long-time associate of Kalmadi, described his passing as a personal loss. "It is sad to hear the sudden demise of our beloved friend and sports leader. His contribution to uplift Indian sports will be remembered," said Bhanot, who currently leads AFI's planning commission.

Impact on Indian Sports

Kalmadi's influence on Indian sports was immense. As President of the AFI for nearly two decades, he introduced numerous developmental programs.

He was instrumental in organising major events like the Afro-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, and he revitalised the National Games.

During his tenure as IOA chief from 1996 to 2011, India celebrated a historic moment at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when Abhinav Bindra won the country's first individual Olympic gold medal. Kalmadi also chaired the Organising Committee for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, despite controversies surrounding the event.

Legacy and Achievements

Rajeev Mehta, former IOA secretary general, also mourned Kalmadi's death. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Suresh Kalmadi. His demise is a profound loss to the Indian sporting fraternity and the Olympic movement in India," said Mehta, who served as IOA secretary general from 2014 to 2022.

Kalmadi's legacy includes his role in establishing Olympic Bhawan, which stands as a testament to his vision for strong sports institutions in India. Mehta added, "May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions to Indian sport always be remembered. "

International Influence

Kalmadi was not only influential in India but also held significant positions internationally. He served as president of the Asian Athletics Association and was a member of the IAAF Council, now known as World Athletics Council.

Adille Sumariwalla, vice president of World Athletics and AFI spokesperson, expressed his condolences on X: "Feeling profound sorrow and deep regret at the passing of the dynamic Shri Suresh Kalmadi. My heartfelt condolences to the family. #InMemoriam. "

Local Contributions

Kalmadi's impact extended to his constituency in Pune, where he played a crucial role in developing sports infrastructure. He was closely associated with initiatives like the Pune International Marathon, a staple event on India's athletics calendar.

The loss of Suresh Kalmadi is felt deeply across India's sporting community. His dedication to promoting sports and building institutions has left an indelible mark that will be remembered for years to come.

With inputs from PTI