CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum reportedly passes away at 75

The African athletics community has been thrown into mourning following reports of the death of Confederation of African Athletics President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum at the age of 75.

Malboum reportedly passed away earlier today after decades of service to athletics and the wider Olympic movement across Africa.

The Cameroonian sports administrator was one of the continent’s most influential sporting figures, having dedicated much of his life to the development and promotion of athletics in Africa.

Before rising into sports administration, he was a former sprinter who represented Cameroon and later transitioned into leadership roles that shaped the direction of athletics on the continent.

Beyond his role as President of the Confederation of African Athletics, Malboum also served as the first President of the Confederation of African Olympic Sports Confederations (CASOL), where he played a key role in strengthening collaboration among Olympic sports bodies in Africa.

Under his leadership, African athletics experienced significant growth, with increased continental competitions, development programmes, and greater international representation for African athletes on the global stage.

His reported passing comes at a time when the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships are ongoing in Accra, Ghana, a competition held under the supervision of the CAA.

PAH/JE