African athletics has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, one of the continent’s most respected and influential sports administrators.
The Confederation of African Athletics officially confirmed that Hamad Kalkaba Malboum passed away on 13 May 2026, at the age of 75. Born on 11 November 1950, the veteran Cameroonian sports leader dedicated decades of his life to the growth and transformation of athletics across Africa.
Kalkaba Malboum served as President of the Cameroon Olympic Committee from 2001 and later rose to become President of the Confederation of African Athletics in 2003. He succeeded Lamine Diack after Diack was elected President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, now known as World Athletics.
Throughout his long tenure, Kalkaba Malboum became a towering figure in African sport, guiding the continent’s athletics development with vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Under his leadership, African athletics expanded its influence globally, while countless athletes benefited from increased opportunities to compete and excel on the international stage.
His leadership style earned admiration across sporting circles, with many praising his calm diplomacy, administrative strength, and passion for nurturing African talent. He played a key role in elevating the profile of athletics championships within Africa and strengthening the continent’s voice in global sports governance.
The late president had been absent from the recent CAA Council meeting in Accra ahead of the ongoing African Championships due to health complications, raising concern among members of the athletics community.
News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from athletes, federations, coaches, and sports leaders from across the world, all honoring a man whose impact on African athletics will remain unforgettable.
At the time of his death, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum stood among the most powerful and respected figures in international sports administration. In addition to serving as a World Athletics Council Member and President of the Confederation of African Athletics, he also led the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee while holding several prestigious global positions, including membership in the IOC Sport and Environment Commission, a seat on the Board of the IOC Olympic Truce Foundation, and the role of Senior Vice President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation. His extensive leadership roles reflected the enormous respect and influence he commanded across the world of sport.
His death marks the end of a remarkable era in African sport — a legacy built on service, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of athletics throughout the continent.
SOURCE: MY BEST RUNS
