WUHAN (China): Scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi has been conferred with the Asian Athletics Association president's award for his contribution towards the development of athletics in the continent at the AAA Gala Dinner and award ceremony.

Kalmadi, who was jailed and later released on bail in connection with the 2010 Commonwealth Games scam, served as president of AAA for 13 years from 2000 to 2013 and was also credited with the introduction of top events like Asian Grand Prix series, Asian Indoor Championships and Asian All Star Meet, besides other competitions.

He was named Life President of the AAA in its council meeting in Jakarta in March for his contribution for Asian athletics.

Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwala received the award on behalf of Kalmadi from AAA president Dahlan Al-Hamad of Qatar at the function held on Tuesday night here ahead of the start of Asian Athletics Championships.

Al-Hamad had defeated Kalmadi in the presidential elections of the AAA in Pune in 2013.