Suresh Kalmadi, former minister and 2010 Commonwealth Games chairman, passes away after prolonged illness

Suresh Kalmadi Death News: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi, 81, passed away Tuesday morning in Pune. An official release from his office said he breathed his last at around 3:30 am after a prolonged illness. He was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Kalmadi served as a Member of Parliament from Pune and held the post of Minister of State for Railways in the past. He was also the former chairman of the Indian Olympic Association, a role that kept him in the public eye beyond politics.

Suresh Kalmadi was named in 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption case

He drew nationwide attention over the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption case and was charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged misuse of funds linked to the event. He was arrested in April 2011, after which the Congress suspended him from the party. He was cleared of all the charges in 2025, after a 15-year-long legal battle.

Even after the controversy, Kalmadi remained influential in sports administration. In 2016, a panel of more than 150 members appointed him and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents of the Indian Olympic Association.

Suresh Kalmadi Family

The senior Congress leader is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, a son-in-law, and grandchildren. Family members and close associates gathered in Pune following the news of his death.

According to the official information shared by his office, Kalmadi’s mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, Pune, until 2 pm. The last rites will take place later in the afternoon.

"Former Member of Parliament from Pune, former Union Minister of State for railways, and former President of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi (aged 81), passed away in Pune today on Tuesday, 6th January at 3.30 am after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren. His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House, Erandwane, Pune till 2 pm and cremation will take place at Vaikunth smashanbhumi, Navi Peth, Pune at 3.30 pm," an official press release said.

The cremation will be held at Vaikunth smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 pm. Political leaders, party workers, and residents of Pune are expected to pay their last respects later today.