NOC President Gumel Honors Late Athletics Icon Kalkaba

Habu Gumel, the President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, a significant figure in African athletics, who passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness. Gumel described Kalkaba as a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment transformed athletics across the continent.

He attended Kalkaba's formal funeral in Cameroon, alongside Moustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), conveying condolences to the Cameroonian Olympic family. Kalkaba served as the President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) for two decades, beginning in 2003, and left a lasting legacy that advanced sports in Africa.

His influence extended beyond Cameroon, significantly benefiting Nigeria and other nations through his leadership. The sports community mourned his passing, with tributes pouring in for a leader whose remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and sports administrators across the continent.