Suresh Kalmadi From Power Corridors to Commonwealth Games Infamy
Updated on Jan - 06 - 2026, 12:21 AM
The Indian political and sports world marked the end of an era this week with the passing of Suresh Kalmadi a seasoned Congress leader former Union minister and defining figure in Indias modern sporting history. He died on January 6 2026 in Pune at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness leaving behind a legacy that mixed achievement with controversy.
Born on May 1 1944 Kalmadis journey began far from the glare of politics. He initially served as a pilot in the Indian Air Force before transitioning into business and then public life. His political career gained momentum in the late 1970s rising through the ranks of the Youth Congress and later holding multiple terms in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha representing Pune. He also served briefly as Minister of State for Railways in the mid 1990s.
However it was in the realm of sports administration that Kalmadi made the most lasting impact. As the President of the Indian Olympic Association from 1996 to 2012 and the head of the Asian Athletics Association from 2000 to 2013 he became a familiar face in global sporting circles. Under his leadership India hosted several international events most notably the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi which was initially seen as a symbol of Indias rising global stature.
That recognition however was soon overshadowed by allegations of corruption and mismanagement linked to the Commonwealth Games. The event faced widespread criticism for inflated costs and organizational lapses placing Kalmadi at the centre of one of Indias most high profile scandals. In 2011 he was arrested by investigating agencies on charges related to conspiracy cheating and corruption and spent time in jail before being granted bail. He was later suspended from the Congress party and removed from his position in the Indian Olympic Association as investigations progressed.
Kalmadis life remains a story of ambition influence and controversy. While he played a significant role in promoting athletics and international exposure for Indian sports his public image became inseparable from the Commonwealth Games controversy. Supporters continue to credit his early contributions to Indian sports while critics see his career as a cautionary tale about power and accountability.
He is survived by his wife children and grandchildren. As tributes continue to emerge many remember him as a complex figure whose legacy reflects both achievement and the enduring challenges of governance in large scale public events.