Suresh Kalmadi was one of the most controversial figures in Indian politics and sports administration. He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and served as a Member of Parliament from Pune for many years. Before entering politics, he was a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force and took part in the 1965 and 1971 India–Pakistan wars.
While Kalmadi had a long career in politics and sports bodies, his public image was deeply affected by the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam, which became one of the biggest controversies in Indian sports history. On 6 January 2026, Suresh Kalmadi passed away after a long illness, bringing an end to a life full of sharp highs and deep lows.
Suresh Kalmadi Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suresh Kalmadi |
| Date of Birth | 1 May 1944 |
| Date of Death | 6 January 2026 |
| Age at Death | 81 Years |
| Birthplace | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Politician, Sports Administrator |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress |
| Military Background | Indian Air Force Pilot |
| Major Post | MP from Pune |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹10–100 Crore (estimated) |
| Salary (MP) | ₹1–3 Lakh per month |
| Wife | Meera Kalmadi |
| Children | 3 (2 daughters, 1 son) |
| Famous For | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
| Cause of Death | Long illness |
Early Life & Background
Suresh Kalmadi was born on 1 May 1944 and spent most of his early life in Pune, Maharashtra. He came from a middle-class background and completed his education in Pune before joining the Indian Air Force (IAF).
As an Air Force pilot, Kalmadi served the country during two major wars. He was known as a disciplined officer and received several service medals. However, in the 1970s, he took early retirement from the Air Force and shifted his focus towards politics and sports administration.
Age, Height & Weight
At the time of his death in January 2026, Suresh Kalmadi was 81 years old.
- Date of Birth: 1 May 1944
- Date of Death: 6 January 2026
- Height: Around 5 feet 10 inches
- Weight: Not publicly disclosed
Being a former Air Force officer, he maintained decent fitness in his younger years, though health issues affected him later in life.
Political Career
Kalmadi entered active politics in the late 1970s and quickly rose within the Indian National Congress.
Key Political Roles
- Maharashtra Youth Congress President (1977)
- Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Member
- Rajya Sabha MP
- Lok Sabha MP from Pune (1996–2014)
- Union Minister of State for Railways (1995–1996)
He remained a strong political force in Pune for nearly two decades. However, after 2010, his political career went into decline due to legal troubles and public criticism.
Role in Sports Administration & CWG Scam
Suresh Kalmadi was also deeply involved in sports administration. He served as:
- President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
- President of the Asian Athletics Federation
His biggest responsibility came when he became Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Unfortunately, the CWG event was hit by massive corruption allegations involving inflated contracts and financial irregularities. Kalmadi was arrested in April 2011 and spent around 10 months in jail. Although some cases dragged on for years, the scandal permanently damaged his reputation.
Suresh Kalmadi Net Worth (2026)
At the time of his death in 2026, Suresh Kalmadi estimated net worth was between ₹10 crore and ₹100 crore.
Key points about his wealth:
- In 2009 election affidavits, he declared assets of around ₹10 crore
- Later reports suggested family assets worth over ₹80 crore
- No confirmed confiscation of assets despite CWG allegations
His income sources included:
- Salary as MP and minister
- Sports administration roles
- Pension
- Private business interests in Pune (including a well-known coffee house)
Exact figures were never fully disclosed, making his finances a subject of debate.
Salary & Income
As a Member of Parliament, Kalmadi earned:
- ₹1 lakh per month basic salary
- Additional allowances (travel, office, medical), bringing total monthly earnings to around ₹2–3 lakh
As IOA President, he did not receive a fixed salary but earned through:
- Allowances
- Sponsorship-related benefits
- Institutional privileges
His estimated annual income during peak years ranged between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore.
Suresh Kalmadi Wife & Family
Suresh Kalmadi was married to Meera Kalmadi, who stayed away from public life. She was a homemaker and rarely appeared in political or media events.
The couple had three children:
- Two daughters
- One son
The family lived in Pune and maintained a low profile, especially after the CWG controversy. After his death, his last rites were performed in Pune.
Suresh Kalmadi Death Reason
Suresh Kalmadi passed away on 6 January 2026 at around 3:30 AM in a Pune hospital.
- Cause of Death: Long-term illness
- He had been suffering from age-related health problems for several years
- At the time of death, he was retired from active politics
Leaders from the Congress party and the sports community expressed condolences, calling his life “complex and impactful.”
Suresh Kalmadi’s life is remembered as a story of sharp contrasts. He began as a war hero and rose to become a powerful politician and sports administrator. However, the CWG scam overshadowed his achievements and reshaped how history remembers him.
To many, he remains a symbol of lost opportunity and controversy; to others, a reminder of how power without accountability can change a legacy.
