The Indian sporting world was plunged into mourning on Monday with the passing of Suresh Kalmadi, the former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The veteran sports administrator, a towering yet controversial figure, died in Pune at the age of 78. He had been battling health issues for an extended period.
A Legacy Forged in Sports Administration
Suresh Kalmadi's journey in sports administration spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian sports. He served as the president of the IOA for an impressive 16 years, from 1996 to 2011 and again from December 2012 until 2013. His tenure was one of the longest and most influential in the organization's history.
Kalmadi is perhaps best known for his pivotal role in bringing the 2010 Commonwealth Games to Delhi. As the Chairman of the Organising Committee, he was the face of India's ambitious project to host a major multi-sport event. While the Games were ultimately held and declared a sporting success, they were overshadowed by allegations of massive financial irregularities and corruption in the lead-up, casting a long shadow over his legacy.
Beyond the Commonwealth Games, Kalmadi held significant positions, including serving as the president of the Asian Athletics Association. His influence extended across various sporting federations, making him one of the most powerful administrators in the country during his peak.
The Sporting Fraternity Pays Tribute
News of his demise triggered an outpouring of condolences from current and former sports administrators, athletes, and political figures. The current leadership of the IOA expressed deep sorrow. IOA President PT Usha described his death as a "great loss for Indian sports" and acknowledged his "immense contribution." She highlighted his efforts in developing sports infrastructure across the nation.
IOA Secretary General Kalyan Chaubey also offered his condolences, recognizing Kalmadi's long-standing service to Indian sports. The sentiments were echoed by Anil Khanna, the Senior Vice President of the IOA and a former associate, who noted Kalmadi's "passion for sports" despite the controversies that marked his later career.
Tributes came from beyond the Olympic body as well. Adille Sumariwalla, the president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), remembered Kalmadi as a "giant of Indian sports." He credited Kalmadi with playing a crucial role in his own election to the AFI presidency, stating, "He was the one who insisted that I become president of AFI." This underscores the kingmaker role Kalmadi often played within the ecosystem of Indian sports federations.
A Complex and Controversial Chapter Closes
Suresh Kalmadi's career was a study in contrasts. On one hand, he was a dynamic force who pushed for India to host international events and modernize its sporting framework. His tenure saw increased visibility for Olympic sports in the country.
On the other hand, his legacy is inextricably linked to the 2010 Commonwealth Games scandal. He faced legal battles for years, arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2011 on charges related to corruption and conspiracy in awarding contracts for the Games. After a protracted legal process, he was acquitted of all charges in 2021. The legal ordeal, however, had already cemented his public image as a symbol of alleged corruption in sports administration.
His passing marks the end of a significant, complex, and often turbulent chapter in Indian sports history. It brings to a close the era of a powerful administrator whose work evoked both admiration for its scale and criticism for its methods. The reactions to his death reflect this duality—respect for his contributions tempered by the memories of the controversies that defined his later years.
The final rites for Suresh Kalmadi were performed in Pune, his hometown, drawing a mix of family, friends, and associates from his long career in public life and sports.
