← POLITICS 1/6/2026

Suresh Kalmadi, Congress Veteran & Sports Figure, Dies at 81

Suresh Kalmadi, Congress Veteran & Sports Figure, Dies at 81

Suresh Kalmadi, a long-serving Congress leader and former Union Minister, has died at the age of 81. Kalmadi held several prominent positions throughout his career, including Minister of State for Railways and Communications. He was a pivotal figure in Indian sports, notably serving as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for an extended period.

Kalmadi was deeply involved in the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. While the Games themselves were considered successful in terms of infrastructure and athletic performance, the event was marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, bringing significant scrutiny to Kalmadi’s leadership. He faced investigations and legal challenges related to the Games, though details of those cases are separate from his passing.

Beyond politics and sports administration, Kalmadi was also a trained pilot. He leaves behind a complex legacy as a seasoned politician, a dedicated sports administrator, and a figure whose career was marked by both achievement and controversy.

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