Africa's athletics boss Hamad Kalkaba Malboum dies aged 75

Malboum reportedly passed away earlier on Wednesday 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.

Athletics Kenya President paid tribute to Malboum, saying he was ‘an exceptional leader whose dedication, wisdom, and passion for athletics greatly transformed and elevated the sport across the African continent.’

“His unwavering commitment to the growth and development of athletics inspired generations of athletes, administrators, and federations.

“Having served alongside him as CAA Vice President and as colleagues on the World Athletics Council, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand his visionary leadership, humility, and tireless efforts in championing African athletics on the global stage.

“Africa has lost a towering sports administrator, mentor, and unifying figure whose legacy will forever remain embedded in the history of athletics,” said Tuwei in a statement.

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.