Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passed away after a prolonged illness. He was 81 years old. Kalmadi was admitted to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, where he breathed his last at around 3:30 am on Tuesday. As news of his passing broke, an outpouring of grief swept across the political and sports world.

Funeral to be held today

According to Kalmadi's official office, his body will be kept for public viewing at Kalmadi House in Erandwane until 2 pm. He will then be cremated at Vaikunth Crematorium, Pune, at 3:30 pm.

A Long Journey in Politics and Sports Administration

Suresh Shamrao Kalmadi was born on May 1, 1944. He was twice elected as a Member of Parliament from the Pune Lok Sabha seat. Besides politics, Kalmadi's name was also influential in sports administration. He served as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. He also served as Minister of State for Railways.

From the Air Force to Politics

Kalmadi joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1960. He was subsequently commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force. He served in the Air Force from 1964 to 1972 and as an instructor for the Air Force Training Team at the NDA from 1972 to 1974. He retired as a Squadron Leader, after which he began his political career with the Congress Party.

Commonwealth Games Scam Changed His Image

Suresh Kalmadi's name was long embroiled in controversy due to the Commonwealth Games (CWG) corruption case. He was arrested by the CBI in 2011, following which the Congress Party suspended him. Following his arrest, he served in Delhi's Tihar Jail.

Kalmadi was accused of irregularities in awarding a contract worth ₹141 crore to a Swiss timekeeping company for the Games. The case involved dragged on for nearly 15 years. However, in April 2025, a Delhi court accepted the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) closure report, providing him with significant relief.

An Influential but Controversial Figure

Suresh Kalmadi's life was a blend of power, sports, administration, and controversy. To his supporters, he was an influential leader, while to his critics, he was the face of the CWG scandal. His death marks the end of an era in Indian politics and sports administration.