The President of the Confederation of African Athletics, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, has reportedly passed away, throwing the Cameroonian and African sporting fraternity into mourning.
Born on November 11, 1950, in Kawadji near Kousséri at the Chad border, the veteran sports administrator died on Wednesday at the age of 75.
With his passing, Africa loses one of its most influential sports administrators — a man who dedicated more than five decades of his life to the growth and development of sports on the continent.
Hamad Kalkaba Malboum was not only a respected sports leader but also a former athlete and musician. A career colonel and former national sprinter, he competed in the 100m, 200m, and long jump events during his athletic career. Between 1974 and 1975, he was also a member of the afro-funk band Golden Sounds, showcasing his versatility beyond sports administration.
He later transitioned into sports leadership and became one of the most powerful voices in African sports governance.
In 2001, he was elected President of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee before taking over as President of the Confederation of African Athletics in 2003, succeeding former athletics leader Lamine Diack.
For more than two decades, Kalkaba Malboum remained the central figure in Cameroonian sports administration, maintaining strong influence across African athletics and Olympic structures. His leadership was reaffirmed in January 2023 when he was re-elected with 82.86 percent of the vote.
Under his leadership, the CAA expanded continental competitions, strengthened collaboration among member federations, and pushed for greater African representation on the global athletics stage. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure, athlete welfare, and international competitiveness for African nations.
His final major achievement came in October 2024 when he was elected the first president of the newly created Association of African Olympic Sports Confederations (CASOL), a milestone widely regarded as the crowning moment of a career built on longevity, consistency, and authority.
Tributes have continued to pour in from athletes, administrators, federations, and sporting institutions across Africa, many describing him as a visionary leader and one of the pillars of African sports.
His passing represents a major loss to African athletics and the wider sporting community at a time the continent continues to pursue greater recognition and excellence on the global stage.
Further details surrounding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and the Confederation of African Athletics.
