Gumel, African Sports Leaders Honour Late CAA President Hamad Kalkaba in Cameroon

Gumel, African Sports Leaders Honour Late CAA President Hamad Kalkaba in Cameroon

By Niyi Busari 

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, has paid glowing tribute to the late African athletics icon, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, describing him as a visionary leader whose dedication and commitment greatly advanced the development of athletics across the continent, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Gumel spoke during the formal funeral ceremony held in Cameroon at the weekend for the former President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), who passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness.

Kalkaba was widely respected for his unwavering passion for athletics and his determination to protect the integrity and growth of the sport in Africa. A distinguished Cameroonian military officer and sports administrator, he served as President of the Confederation of African Athletics from 2003 until his death, providing more than two decades of leadership.

At the time of his passing, he also served as President of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC) and was a Council Member of World Athletics, where he contributed to the development of athletics at both continental and global levels.

Throughout his illustrious career, Kalkaba played significant roles in supporting the organisation of major athletics championships in Africa, including several competitions hosted by Nigeria.

Reflecting on the late administrator's legacy, Gumel said Kalkaba's contributions to African sports would remain enduring.

"I accompanied the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Mustapha Berraf, to Cameroon to attend the funeral and convey our condolences to the Olympic family and the people of Cameroon. Colonel Kalkaba was a remarkable leader whose commitment to athletics and the Olympic Movement inspired many across Africa. His legacy will continue to guide future generations of sports administrators," Gumel said.

The funeral attracted senior officials from the Olympic Movement, World Athletics, the Confederation of African Athletics, and representatives of National Olympic Committees from across Africa, who gathered to celebrate the life and achievements of one of the continent's most influential sports administrators.