Pune, Jan 6 (UNI) Former union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passed away on Tuesday following a prolonged illness. He was 81.
Former Pune MP, a prominent figure in both politics and the sports world, had been undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.
His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in Erandwane for public darshan till 2 pm, after which his last rites will be performed at Vaikunth smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune.
Several senior political leaders, party colleagues, and supporters have been gathering at his residence to pay their final respects.
Reacting to his demise, senior Congress leader Abhay Chhajed said that his demise has cast a pall of grief over Pune’s political and social circles.
Kalmadi began his career as a pilot in the Indian Air Force before rising to prominence in politics. He served for many years as a Member of Parliament from Pune, held positions as a union Minister, and later became President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
He also played a key role in promoting Pune on the national and international stage through initiatives such as the Pune Festival and the Pune International Marathon. He also served as the president of the Asian Athletics Association from 2000 to 2013 and was named its Life President in 2015.
