Legendary athlete P.T. Usha and officials from the Athletics Federation of India expressed sorrow over the demise of Suresh Kalmadi, a renowned sports administrator and former head of the Indian Olympic Association. Kalmadi, aged 81, passed away in Pune, leaving behind his wife, Meera Kalmadi, and children. He held significant roles in Indian sports administration, serving as president of the AFI and the Asian Athletics Association, as well as leading the IOA for an extended period.
PT Usha, the current IOA chair, conveyed her condolences, highlighting Kalmadi’s contributions to Indian athletics development. Bahadur Singh Sagoo, AFI’s president, praised Kalmadi’s dedication and initiatives that benefited Indian sports, including facilitating travel concessions for athletes. Lalit Bhanot, former AFI secretary, lauded Kalmadi for his lasting impact on Indian sports, such as revitalizing the National Games and introducing prestigious track-and-field events with international participation.
Suresh Kalmadi’s tenure as president of the Indian athletics federation and his involvement in global athletics governance were notable. He played pivotal roles in various sporting events and infrastructure development projects, significantly influencing the landscape of Indian sports. Kalmadi’s leadership during the Afro-Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games underscored his commitment to advancing sports in India.
