Former CISM President Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum passes away
YAOUNDÉ (CMR) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) has learned with deep sadness of the passing of Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, former CISM President, on Wednesday 13 May 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. A highly respected military officer, sports leader and statesman, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum dedicated his life to the development of sport in Cameroon, across Africa and throughout the international sporting movement. His passing represents a tremendous loss for the global military sport family and for the entire Olympic and athletics community.
Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum served as President of CISM from 2010 to 2014 after being elected during the 65th CISM General Assembly and Congress held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Representing Africa, he succeeded Major General Gianni Gola and became one of the most influential figures in the history of military sport. Before serving as CISM President, he also held the positions of CISM Vice-President for Africa from 1996 to 2010, President of the African Military Sports Organisation (OSMA), Head of the Cameroonian Delegation to CISM and Director of Military Sports in Cameroon.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum continuously promoted the values of peace, friendship and solidarity through sport. His leadership contributed significantly to strengthening the role and visibility of military sport both in Africa and internationally. Beyond CISM, he was one of the most influential personalities in African sport governance. He served as President of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC) from 2001 and President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) from 2003. He was also President of the Association of African Olympic Sports Confederations (CASOL) and former President of the Cameroon Handball Federation.
Before becoming an internationally renowned sports administrator, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum was himself an accomplished athlete. Between 1970 and 1974, he competed for Cameroon in athletics, notably in the 4x100 metres relay, as well as in the 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump events. He later played a major role in developing sports structures in Cameroon, notably founding the national baseball and softball federations in 1992 and supporting numerous youth and community sport initiatives, including the famous “Espoir Race” on Mount Cameroon. Recognised as a wise and respected leader, he was also a traditional chief and a major advocate for African sport development. His influence extended far beyond the field of military sport, earning him the admiration of athletes, officials and institutions around the world.
The International Military Sports Council extends its sincere condolences to his family, relatives, the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee, the Cameroon Armed Forces, the African athletics community and the entire international sport movement. CISM honours the memory and legacy of a man who profoundly marked the history of military and civilian sport and who remained throughout his life a strong ambassador of the CISM motto: “Friendship through Sport.”
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
