Suresh Kalmadi, the former Union Minister of State for Railways and Congress leader, has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last on January 5, 2026, at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, where he had been receiving treatment.
Kalmadi, who was a popular political figure from Pune, was known for his significant contributions to Indian sports administration, particularly during his tenure as the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). He was widely regarded for his influence in national sports and played an instrumental role in promoting sports in the country.
Funeral Arrangements:
His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in Erandwane, Pune, until 2 pm, after which the cremation will take place at the Vaikunth crematorium at 3:30 pm, according to a statement issued by his office. Kalmadi is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Career and Political Influence:
Kalmadi was a member of the Indian National Congress and was elected multiple times to the Lok Sabha from Pune. He served in several key roles during his political career, with his most notable position being the Union Minister of State for Railways. He was also closely associated with sports administration at the national level and was a major figure in Indian sports for several decades.
Controversy and Legal Challenges:
Kalmadi’s time at the helm of the IOA was marred by controversy, particularly related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption scandal. He faced charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act over alleged misuse of funds during the event. In April 2011, Kalmadi was arrested and subsequently suspended from the Congress party. Despite these legal troubles, Kalmadi remained a key figure in Indian sports.
In 2016, a group of more than 150 members elected him and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents of the IOA. However, the appointment led to further controversies, prompting the Indian government to call for an investigation. Eventually, Kalmadi declined the position, citing that the timing was not appropriate for such a role.
Clean Chit in CWG Case:
Earlier in 2025, Kalmadi received a significant legal victory when a Delhi court accepted a closure report submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Commonwealth Games corruption case. The court ruled that there was no evidence to prove charges of money laundering against him, clearing his name after a long legal battle.
Legacy:
Despite the controversies, Suresh Kalmadi’s legacy in Indian politics and sports remains significant. His death marks the end of an era for his family, colleagues, and the many people he worked with throughout his long career.
