Pune/IBNS, Jan. 6 -- Former Union Minister and Congress veteran Suresh Kalmadi passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81, following a prolonged illness, media reports said.

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 ...