Pune, Jan. 6 -- India's seasoned sports administrator and former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Suresh Kalmadi, passed away in Pune on January 6. Kalmadi, who was 81, is survived by his wife Meera Kalmadi, daughters and son. The last rites were held at Pune's Vaikunth Crematorium today, as per a press release from the IOA.

He was a towering figure in Indian sports administration, having served not only as the president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) but also as the president of the Asian Athletics Association. He was also president of the Indian Olympic Association for more than a decade.

Former minister revolutionised Indian sports in general and athletics in particular during his long tenure as presiden...