The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of ISSA Senior Vice-President Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum at the age of 76.

Colonel Kalkaba Malboum was a renowned figure in international sport, and served as Vice-President of the ISSA since 2009.

He was also President of the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee since 1998.

Colonel Kalkaba Malboum dedicated his life to the advancement of sport in Cameroon, across the African continent and within the ISSA family. His vision, commitment and unwavering belief in the power of sport as a tool for unity and development left a lasting mark.

On behalf of the ISSA, Secretary General Nasser Majali expressed his condolences.

"The ISSA family has lost a true champion of sport, and a true champion of solidarity, dignity and the values that bind us together. Colonel Kalkaba Malboum served with distinction and devoted his time, wisdom and energy to elevate sport, both in Cameroon and across all of the ISSA’s member nations,” Majali said.

“His legacy will endure in every athlete he inspired and every institution he helped to build. We stand with his family, his colleagues in Cameroon and the entire sporting community in this moment of profound loss.”

In addition to his roles with the ISSA and the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee, Colonel Kalkaba Malboum was a World Athletics Council member since 2007 and President of the Confederation of African Athletics for more than two decades.

As an athlete, he was a member of Cameroon’s national 4x100m team between 1970 and 1974, before beginning an outstanding career in sport administration.

The ISSA extends its heartfelt sympathy to Colonel Kalkaba Malboum's family, the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee, and the wider sporting community during this difficult time.