Pune, 6th January 2026: Former Pune Member of Parliament Suresh Kalmadi passed away early morning at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at around 3:30 am. His mortal remains will be kept at his residence for public viewing until 2 pm, following which the final rites will be performed at Vaikunth Crematorium at 3:30 pm.
Kalmadi began his professional life in the Indian Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot after graduating from the National Defence Academy in the 1960s. He served the Air Force from 1964 to 1972 and actively participated in the 1965 and 1971 wars. After retiring from the Air Force, he entered public life and gradually emerged as a prominent political leader in Pune.
He represented the Pune Lok Sabha constituency for three consecutive terms and was widely regarded as a leader with a strong development-oriented vision. Several infrastructure projects, including flyovers and Pune’s growth as an IT hub, took shape during his political career.
Through initiatives like the Pune Festival, he also worked to promote the city’s cultural identity at a national and international level.
Beyond politics, Kalmadi was a powerful figure in Indian sports administration. He served as President of the Indian Olympic Association for over 15 years and played a key role in organising the 1994 National Games at the Balewadi Sports Complex, placing Pune on India’s sports map.
However, the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi proved to be a turning point in his life. While the event brought global attention to Indian sports infrastructure, allegations of corruption led to his arrest and imprisonment, casting a shadow over his political career. Despite the controversy, his contributions to sports administration and urban development continue to be acknowledged.
Suresh Kalmadi is survived by his wife, children, and extended family. His death marks the end of a significant and complex chapter in Pune’s political and sporting history.
