Suresh Kalmadi, ex-Union Minister and controversial Commonwealth Games chief, passes away at 81

Kalmadi was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. His cremation will be held at Vaikunth Smashanbhumi, Navi Peth, at 3:30 pm.

He served as a Member of Parliament representing Pune in the Lok Sabha and is widely known for his role as Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University, Kalmadi began his political career in the 1970s and later became a prominent sports administrator, holding positions including President of the Indian Olympic Association.

While his tenure, particularly during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, was marred by allegations of corruption and financial irregularities, Kalmadi maintained a long and influential career in both politics and sports administration.