2023 marked a significant milestone for India as the largest Indian contingent of 32 transplant athletes, 24 organ recipients and 8 organ donors, participated in the World Transplant Games. The team returned home with an impressive tally of 35 medals, with the recipients bringing in 20 medals and the donors 15.
Despite their ongoing medical issues, financial constraints and other challenges, these athletes' achievements demonstrate remarkable resilience and make their loved ones and country proud.
An avid sportsman from his very early days, Balveer had a promising career in Badminton. He played at University level and was set for bigger things when his sporting career took a hit due to illness. He received a kidney transplant in 2011 which effectively ended any chance to compete at a higher level. Balveer, however, did not let this stop him from pursuing his dream. Introduced to the World Transplant Games, his dream to play for India was renewed.
Despite the rigors of the transplant procedure and a modest government salary, Balveer has participated in and excelled at every Games since 2015. He has used his own savings and whatever help he could get to cover the costs of travel and registration. He has already won three medals for India in Badminton, a gold at the WTG Argentina in 2015, a gold at the WTG Spain in 2017 & a silver medal UK in 2019.
His preparations for the WTG 2023 at Perth, Australia are already underway, and he is ready to bring home yet another medal for India!
“I was 22 years old and fighting fit - running, swimming, biking whenever I could. When I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. I had to leave all physical activity and stop food and drink that I liked. Every day was a struggle. I was exhausted and depressed, unable to understand what to do.
Post-transplant as a Kidney Warrior I live a fit life - running, cycling, and training in the gym, for at least 20 hours a week! In March 2020 I cycled 1250 kilometers across Rajasthan with the message of ‘Organ Donation’. I counsel CKD patients and other recipients who are still struggling to make meaning of what has happened. If I can help even a single person to cope better, it will be enough.” - Ashish Sangwan
After getting diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at a very young age, Heera Singh stayed positive. He is grateful for his unmarried younger sister that donated her organ without hesitation, to his doctor, his family & friends who supported him.
He feels healthy, lives a normal life, and wishes to spread the message across the world that life “begins rather than ends at organ transplant”. He has represented his District in Uttarakhand in Cricket and now plays a lot of sports. He is proud and excited to participate in the World Transplant Games 2023.
"I FEEL, WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES ARE A PERFECT PLATFORM TO PROMOTE THIS CAUSE & APPEAL TO SOCIETY AND TO THE RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS TO OFFER EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ORGAN DONORS & RECIPIENTS AT A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. AND MORE AND MORE PEOPLE COME FORWARD TO DONATE ORGANS WITHOUT FEAR OR ANY HESITATION."
Ankita was 13 years old when she came to know that her mother was suffering from Liver Sclerosis. The family waited for her to turn 18 to be able to donate but at the time of transplant her weight fell short of 16 kgs. She increased it in a month to be able to donate but the transplant wasn't successful and her mother passed away.
After 3 years of recovery she went on to represent India at the World Transplant Games and is currently the World Record Holder for Long Jump and Ball Throw with 2 Gold and 1 Silver (100 m).
Ankita Shrivastava is now 28, and is a Wharton MBA, World Record Holder, International Athlete, Liver Donor, Entrepreneur, Tedx speaker and the youngest to enter 40 under 40 Animation, VFX, Gaming and Comics Industry in India.
She is an International Athlete who has won 2 Golds (long jump and ball throw) and 1 Silver (100 m) for India at the World Transplant Games by the Olympics Association.
As a serial Entrepreneur in the IP, media, entertainment and edTech Business, she has built eight brands (pre-school animation characters) – including Purple Turtle, recognised across 25 countries, with 350+ books, 14 Preschool Franchisees and a TV Show on Discovery Kids in MENA. She is currently working on her startup - Airfitt which is crossfits at Airports.
She is the Brand Ambassador to multiple government organisations like Sports Department, Women and Child Development, Health Department Madhya Pradesh and multiple private organisations. She is a Honorary Member of Young Indians and Indian Women Network by Confederation of Indian Industry. She has been awarded Excellence in Sports Award and National Sports Times Award 2019 amongst many others.
Karhun Nanda started playing football when he was 12 years old and ever since he has dreamt of representing India. He went through heart failure and then a transplant, which gave him a new life. For him in the past 5 years, the most amazing thing is that what he couldn't do in his last life, he can do in this life – play for his country! His heart transplant gave him an opportunity to represent India at an International level in golf and at the World Transplant Games 2019 in Newcastle.
He’s training hard to win a medal at the next Games and says, “I am excited to participate in the World Transplant Games 2023 at Perth and hold India’s flag high.”
A healthy, active life, playing hockey and football for his school and under-16 cricket at the district level, came to a grinding halt for Abhinav Pangtey at the age of 28. Out of nowhere, his vision became blurry. A visit to the eye doctor revealed that he had an undiagnosed blood pressure condition. He was advised to see a nephrologist, and after several rounds of tests, found out that he had 90% damage in his kidneys.
After undergoing months of dialysis and trying out Ayurveda, Abhinav finally got a transplant from his sister in October of 2019. Having recovered from his surgery, Abhinav immediately resumed his active lifestyle, playing cricket and football on a regular basis. In 2021 married Asha, who herself had donated a kidney to her brother.
He currently runs a construction business in his hometown in Uttarakhand and is eagerly preparing for the World Transplant Games in Australia, where he aims to compete in basketball, athletics and football! More power to him!
On Father’s Day 2021, Manya Hasija donated 65% of his liver to his father which saved his life! His father was diagnosed with liver failure, giving him only 6 months to live. Due to COVID-19, there were limited donors, and hence he took it upon himself to donate his liver as all his reports were healthy and he was a match.
He is anticipating the World Transplant Games in Australia in 2023, and would be honoured to represent the country. He says there is nothing better than the feeling of giving someone the gift of life.
Born in 1960, PV Ramanaiah was a sportsman from the very beginning. He has represented India at the Jr. Asian Youth Football Championship in Nepal, and has represented Andhra Pradesh at the U-19 Football Championship. His football career continued at the university level and also represented SCRLY Secunderabad for 10 years, transferring from there to Waltair division, Vishakapathnam.
Following his liver transplant in 2017, he has continued to be extremely active, taking up tennis and participating in several local tournaments in Andhra Pradesh. He keeps exceptionally fit and is excited to have the chance to represent India at the World Transplant Games in both tennis and football.
As a young and fit 19 year old, it came somewhat as a shock when Bhag Singh was diagnosed with hypertension in 2014. Over the next few years, Bhag Singh’s condition worsened and ultimately led to kidney failure in 2016. When transplant was the only option left, unfortunately none of his family was a match for him. However, PGI Chandigarh gave him the option of a swap transplant. His mother donated her kidney to someone in need and he received a kidney in return. Life has since returned to almost normal for Bhag Singh. A Kabaddi and cricket player before his transplant, he still plays cricket and is now involved in athletics as well.
He participated in the 2020 National Transplant Games in PGI Chandigarh and won a Bronze in the 100m race and a Gold in the relay. He is working hard to continue his winning streak at the World Transplant Games 2023.
Having just completed an MSC in Chemistry, Faiz was awaiting the results of his final exams when he developed a recurring high fever. Initially diagnosed as malaria, the fever persisted despite treatment. After developing stomach problems, he visited a gastroenterologist, who suggested an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed a swelling of his kidneys, which then was diagnosed as kidney failure.
“My mother held onto me and volunteered to donate her kidney to me, saving my life. I'm thankful to my family that they took such good care of me and never lost hope.”
It has been almost four years since his transplant, and he is living a healthy and active life, running and playing badminton. A competitive runner in school, Faiz hasn’t lost his competitive edge and is preparing to represent his country at the World Transplant Games 2023. It has been a difficult journey for Faiz so far, but he has refused to lose hope, because, as he says, “Dar ke age jeet hai.”
Three years ago, Sayantani was a teacher from a small town in West Bengal. She had recently had a baby and as is the case with many parents, she never quite knew what the next day had in store for her. But no one could possibly have expected what was to happen next. Her 5 month old baby suddenly went into acute liver failure. Fortunately she was a match for her daughter, but the situation was so dire that the transplant process (which usually takes up to a month) was done in a few hours. As her family waited anxiously for news, Sayantani was wheeled in for surgery. A few agonizing hours later, she was able to share with her family the news that the surgery was a success. Both mother and daughter are living a fit and healthy life today.
A competitive runner in school and college, Sayantani is looking forward to competing at the World Transplant Games 2023.
“I want to join these games to set an example for my daughter to strive harder than others. This is the quality that makes you a champion.”
Anil Srivatsa donated his Kidney to his Neurosurgeon brother, Dr Arjun Srivatsa in 2014 and has been driving around the world in his own car since his donation. To spread more awareness about not just living organ donation, but also donations after life. He, along with his wife Deepali, have driven across 44 countries giving lectures along the way with a goal to achieve a million potential donors listening to his talks. So far, he has reached about 1.3 lac people via over 600 lectures. He is the Managing Trustee of an NGO called Gift of Life Adventure Foundation that he set up after he helped a 17-year-old Afghani boy get a transplant in Bangalore. The foundation works with projects related to Organ Donation with partners on awareness, Advocacy and philanthropy.
Arjun (golf) and Anil, both won Gold for India in the last World Transplant Games held in the UK in 2019. A first in the history of the games where a recipient and a donor who happened to be siblings, both won gold for the same country in the same games. Anil also holds the Games world record for his event – Ball throw.
“I was thrilled at this outcome where both my kidneys won Gold for India” said Anil with a laugh. Anil is preparing to Drive to the Games beginning from Bangalore. His drive will take him to Kashmir and back. This leg is completed where he lectured about 5000 people. He departs for New York later this month to then start his drive to Houston where he will be flagged off by the Rotary International President Mr. Shekhar Mehta at the convention in June. From there Anil and his wife will travel up to the Artic Ocean and then South down the PANAMERICAN Highway to the Antarctic Ocean at the tip of Argentina in South America. He will then ship his vehicle to Sydney and drive around Australia to arrive in time for the World Transplant games in Perth and rejoin the team to compete. 17 Nations passed in all to Australia.
“This year, my drive is even more significant. I not only want to drive to the venue, but I want to use this opportunity to unite Rotarians around the world, to pay more attention to Organ donation and work towards a time where NO ONE DIES WAITING FOR AN ORGAN. Just like they did with eradicating polio”
At school level, Gaurav played many sports like football, cricket, volleyball, badminton and athletics. He was also a talented cricket player and after finishing 12th grade, he moved from his home town of Meerut to Delhi to pursue his cricketing ambitions. However, within a year, towards the end of 2009, Gaurav began to notice unusual symptoms like swelling on his face in the morning, loss of appetite, vomiting and even the loss of eyesight in one eye.
Being young and far from my home, he didn’t understand these symptoms and mostly ignored them. But in July 2010 he collapsed, completely unable to breathe and unable to eat. By this time, he was with his family and they rushed him to the hospital in Meerut where the doctors discovered extensive kidney damage.
He was on dialysis, but it soon became clear that it was not a permanent solution and that he would need a transplant. He was fortunate that his father was a match and he received a kidney from him. Today, both father and son are in good health, and Gaurav is preparing to take on the world at the World Transplant Games.
“My only motive for participating in the World Transplant Games is to prove that health is not a hindrance. Everyone has their own different struggles. Good athletes go to the Olympics, good athletes with disabilities go to the Paralympics, but people like us on medicines who are not completely fit and not disabled, where should we go? As soon as I came to know about these games, I made it my goal to participate and bring back a medal for India.”
We are a happy family of 4, including ourselves and our two sons Ethan and Austin. We both have donated our livers to our respective fathers and are very happy to say they are in their absolute health. It was not an effortless task to decide on giving up a small part of our organ but the whole notion of setting an example to the world, and the outcomes made it easier. On the course of our journey, we understood that life is truly precious and the little power we had to pull someone back into life should not go wasted.
We have made sure to keep fit after our transplants and are runners and cyclists. We look forward to the World Transplant Games 2023 to share the success story of our organ donations. For us, the main idea of participation is to create awareness about organ donation and to dispel myths that one can’t have a normal life after donating an organ.
An army brat, Shivraj grew up in many places and experienced the many diverse cultures of India. As is common with army families, Shivraj grew up being very active, he loves travelling, trekking and cycling. He has also played Kabaddi at State level and hockey and volleyball at the school level. Also common with army families, they were prepared for many eventualities. Despite this, his father’s liver failure diagnosis was not something they were prepared for.
Shivraj, however, didn't think twice. Once it was confirmed he was a match for his father, he promptly decided to be a Liver donor. There was concern from his family, but after consulting with doctors, he was prepared for everything. The 10-12 days following the transplant was difficult, but both father and son are fit and healthy and are now preparing to participate in the World Transplant Games 2023.
“Everything is in your mind. If you are mentally prepared then you can achieve anything, and apart from that only a chosen few get the chance to do something for their parents or family members. We are planning to participate in the World Transplant Games To show the world that even after the surgery anyone can live a healthy and happy lifestyle.”
After being operated on for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Sunny’s father developed recurrent HCC, which was found during a routine investigation. The only option available to him was a Living Donor liver Transplantation.
“When my family members came to know about my fathers health problem everyone was very upset and sad, but my father had a strong will and his ability to take decisions was very fast. He nominated my name for the liver donation and I was very happy and proud that I could do something for him. My family was very supportive. Even my wife’s family was very supportive of the decision.
My health is perfectly fine now. I go to the gym daily. I practise meditation. I Stay away from junk and fast foods which are not good for the liver. I also regularly swim, run and play badminton.
My main objective in going to the World Transplant Games is to inspire my fellow donors to remove the dilemma from their mind that they cannot be physically fit. They are equal as all other donors and can participate in such games. To inspire more people to come forward for organ donation and save lives. Every life matters. Care for your loved ones. Especially your parents, do not ignore them if they need you in their difficult times of health.”
Vijay Bahudur Yadav’s organ donation journey began when his wife’s blood pressure led to kidney scars and eventually drastically reduced kidney function. She was on dialysis for a year and a half when it became apparent that a transplant was the only option. It was a turbulent time for the family, things happened so fast and the family struggled to manage work and health issues. Despite being willing to donate his kidney, he was not a match for his wife. Vijay then registered himself as a donor in a sharing pool scheme, through which his wife was able to get a kidney.
Post transplant, both husband and wife are fit and healthy. Though not a sportsman in his youth, Vijay began his journey in sports 8 years ago as a way to stay fit and healthy. He is an avid runner and has participated in a number of 5K/10K events and plays badminton regularly. Vijay is training hard to participate in the World Transplant Games. He is keen to bring home gold for India and motivate other individuals to come forward for live donation and save lives.
I am Shinesh, a private teacher and a kidney recipient from Hisar, Haryana. I used to play sports in college and at the school level. I had kidney failure, the cause for which was not found and I had to get a kidney transplant. My family was shocked at first but after some time they understood and my father donated his kidney to me. I am in perfect health now and am participating in Badminton and cycling for the World Transplant Games 2023, held in Perth, Australia.
An organ transplant is a successful treatment for organ failure. Do something for your country, donate your organs now.
Umesh Dhavalikar’s transplant journey is a story of how unpredictable life can be. He went from being perfectly healthy, to having transplant surgery in the span of a single week. Umesh was a fit young man in his twenties, but like so many of us, fitness took a back seat as he became more invested in his career. It was only when he began to take his daughter to badminton practice that things changed for him. With a few hours to kill while his daughter was being coached, he used the time to walk, and then gradually to run. He eventually built back his fitness to a point where he was regularly doing 10k runs.
But then fate intervened. What started as a persistent headache and fatigue on the 9th of April 2015, led to hospitalization the very next day. On the third day, he and his family were informed that he was suffering from Fulminant (Acute) Hepatic Failure. His was an extremely rare case where a viral Hepatitis A infection had led to almost complete liver failure within a few days. He was told that unless he got a transplant, he was unlikely to survive the week.
Umesh believes he was truly blessed. He was extremely fortunate that one after another, things fell into place for him. From the early diagnosis, to being able to get to the right hospital, to having an eligible liver donor in his immediate family (his sister), and a timely, successful transplant on 15th April 2015, everything worked out for Umesh. He is very grateful for his new lease of life, and has vowed to honour his sister’s gift by living the best life possible. After his transplant, he began running again and soon took to cycling. He is currently preparing to participate in the 30k cycling event at the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth.
Tauheed was a happy, cheerful young man in his 20s. He loved sports, particularly badminton, and would think nothing of eating out 4-5 times a week. But he noticed something wrong when he would suffer from frequent headaches. One day he woke up to swelling all over his body, and soon discovered that his creatinine levels were alarmingly high. He began dialysis once a week, which gradually reached thrice a week.
Though initially supportive, Tauheed’s family began to lose hope. He still remembers his older brother saying, ‘Why are we putting so much money when there isn’t any hope?’ His doctor suggested a transplant and in a story altogether so heartbreakingly common, his sister-in-law initially agreed to donate a kidney, but changed her mind the next day, along with his brothers. A friend even offered to bear the costs of the transplant, but no one in the family was willing. Tauheed was eventually able to get a kidney transplant in 2014, since which time he has worked hard to keep fit and active.
He started running and playing badminton again, and in a stroke of luck that he well deserved, Tauheed found a fellow transplant athlete in his town. That athlete was none other than Balveeer Singh, who has brought home no less than three medals for India at the World Transplant Games.
They now regularly practice together and are training for the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth, Australia. They are both hoping that their hard work will pay off and they will both bring home medals for their country.
I have pledged to dedicate myself with the mission of spreading awareness on Organ Donation in India and is the purpose of my Second Life since I survived liver transplant surgery in 2019 at AIG Hospital, Hyderabad.
Special sports events like this will definitely be a platform to spread the word on the need for more and more people to donate organs.
WE CAN eradicate myths and fear around Organ Donation.
Born with a congenital bladder disorder, Souvik had a difficult childhood. Near constant pain in his kidneys and doctor and hospital visits were a regular part of his life. While Souvik struggled with his disease, his family struggled with the escalating cost of treatment. After a failed surgery at the age of 9 and a partially successful one at the age of 15, Souvik’s condition stabilized, but his surgeon warned him it was a temporary reprieve, and he would inevitably need a transplant.
After 15 years, at the age of 28, the doctor’s prediction came true and a transplant was the only option he was left with. His parents wanted to donate their kidneys, but due to their own medical issues, doctors ruled them out as possible donors. Luckily, just as it seemed there was no hope left, his maternal uncle volunteered to donate his kidney. By the time the transplant happened, he was on dialysis for 9 months.
7 years later, Souvik leads a healthy and active life. He credits his family for keeping him alive. “My family is the reason why I am still alive. Keeping me alive was their first priority above anything. They always stood with me on this journey and still are.”
After his transplant, he never thought he would be able to lead a good life, not the way a “normal” person would live. Then he heard about the World Transplant Games and was inspired by the lives of the athletes who are fighting and thriving after their transplant. He now wants to be the same inspiration for others, to show the world that there is a life after transplant. Having played Darts and 10-Pin Bowling regularly throughout his life, Souvik aims to participate in the World Transplant Games 2023 and win India’s first medals in these sports.
Rahul was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCMP) at the age of just 19. DCMP causes the chambers of the heart to thin and stretch, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. His condition was managed till 2017, when Rahul suffered a paralytic attack. His doctors told the family there was no other option besides a transplant. In shock and frightened, Rahul’s family nonetheless stood by him and waited for a viable organ.
Rahul was fortunate enough to receive the transplant in 2018 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Rahul now leads a fit and active life. Over the past few months, Rahul has been working on his fitness and has been training hard to participate in the World Transplant Games. For Rahul, his transplant and the sacrifice of the donor’s family is something that he must honor by living to the fullest. Rahul’s dream is to represent India at the World Transplant Games and hopes to make both his donor and his country proud.
I am a second kidney transplant recipient, working as a CSR consultant. I got diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) approximately 15 years back. Though my journey had its share of ups and downs, with the help of available treatment options, doctors, and almighty’s grace, I have been able to live a wholesome life. I remind myself every day of the importance of an active lifestyle for the life of a long-lasting kidney transplant. My journey has also taught me that, one needs a lot of support from family, peers and community to get through CKD. World transplant games will be an opportunity for me to meet inspirational transplant recipients from all over the world who believe in creating such a community and spreading awareness about CKD.
Maggie Paul(Donor)I am a kidney donor, working as a PhD scholar at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Donating a kidney was an enlightening process in many ways. Among other personal revelations, through this process, I understood the lack of awareness about chronic kidney diseases and the donation process. I wish to contribute my abilities and experience to raise awareness for the same. I have also, for a long time concentrated on having a healthy lifestyle that includes different forms of exercise, good eating habits and mindfulness. World transplant games will give me encouragement to keep supporting the CKD community in every way I can.
My name is Karan Gaur and I belong to Bikaner city. I am 25 year old. In 2009 when I was just 11 years old, my kidneys suddenly got damaged. We went to many hospitals, but at that time there were very few hospitals doing the transplant in our country. Finally we went to AIIMS Delhi. The doctors did all tests for my father and mother so that one of them could be a match and donate 1 kidney to me. My mother was a match. I was transplanted in 2009.
After the transplant we both are perfectly fit and I can countinue my sports. After transplant I participated several times in National Transplant Games in Mumbai organised by Narmada Kidney Foundation, and now I am preparing for bedminton and running in World Transplant Games 2023.
Harsh Vardhan Singh was born with an unusual condition, he only had one kidney at birth. When the kidney he had began to fail, the only option available to him was a transplant. His mother donated her kidney and after initial problems with rejection, Harsh was back on his way to living a healthy life. Being an athlete in school, playing tennis and handball at the state level, coming back to sports following the transplant seemed like a natural progression.
Harsh credits his family, his mother and his wife in particular, for helping keep him alive. He wants to participate in the World Transplant Games to share with the world that if you have your family standing by you, anything is possible, and organ failure doesn’t have to be the end of one’s life.
Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, a neurosurgeon by profession was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. In 2014, his brother Anil volunteered to donate one of his kidneys to him. The duo had a successful organ donation and transplantation process.
As avid sportsmen, both of them decided to participate in the World Transplant Games 2019 and went on to win gold medals for the country, with Anil setting a world record in his event - Ball Throw.
Anil likes to say that both his kidneys won gold medals at the Games. Needless to say, India is expecting another couple of medals from the brothers at the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth!
Digvijay Singh Gujral is a fitness enthusiast by passion, an entrepreneur by profession and a social worker by persistence & business postgraduate by qualification. He is a Director at Gujral Hotels Pvt Ltd and has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry which has won various industrial accolades in the last 24 years under the guidance of his father Er. Sri M.S.Gujral Born and brought up in Jabalpur, completed his schooling & graduation from St. Aloysius & later on went to Mumbai to pursue his FMB in entrepreneurship from S.P. Jain institute of management & research which ranks among the top B Schools in India. Filled with morals & high values made him receive the certificate of moral science in his school tenure twice & was also the prefect of his house in his school days.
When he was 1 year old he was diagnosed as having non-functioning right kidney. Afterwards he found to have a large hydronephrotic left kidney with a congenital obstruction in it. He underwent Anderson haynes pyeloplasty in 1987. During subsequent years his creatnine gradually increased from 1.2 mg/dl to 3.8 and protein urea also increased from 480 in 2000 to 1.7 gm in 2009. In the year 2011 after 3 months of dialysis he finally underwent a kidney transplant.
This tough phase in his life led to a keen interest in a healthy lifestyle post transplant which helped him to share his enthusiasm, encourage a happier lifestyle, and help people realize what their bodies are capable of. It didn’t bring him down; in fact it helped him to inculcate the feeling of doing something great in life. He understood how precious every day is which God has given to him.
“Everybody has the same 24 hours and 365 days in a year given by God, but what we do & make out of it differentiates us from the others & that’s the route to greatness.”
Digvijay has won around 10 Gold medals in the National Transplant Games & 1 Silver Medal in Squash at The World Transplant Games held in Newcastle, UK 2019. He is raring to go to the World Transplant Games in 2023 at Perth Australia. This time nothing less than the gold will do!
Dharmendra Soti was an otherwise healthy young man when in 2001, his kidneys began to fail due to undiagnosed high blood pressure. The realisation shocked his entire family, and as he began dialysis, Dharmendra began to realise how much his life was going to change. A lifelong badminton player, he was looking at the very real possibility of never setting foot on a badminton court again. When the time finally came, his brother volunteered to donate his kidney to Dharmendra.
The transplant resolved his health situation, but like many people, Dharmendra assumed sports was out of the question for a transplant patient. He would go to the badminton court, watch people play, and come back home despondent. During a follow-up appointment with his doctor, he asked his doctor if he could play again. To his surprise the doctor not only approved of the request, but actively encouraged him to take up the sport again. After that, there was no looking back. Dharmendra threw himself into the game and has participated in three editions of the World Transplant Games, bringing home a silver medal in 2013, a gold and silver in 2015 and a bronze in 2017.
Before he could participate in the 2019 Games, fate intervened once more. It was discovered that yet again, his kidney was failing. This time, however, Dharmendra did not lose hope. He was fortunate enough to undergo another kidney transplant and is now very much back in action. He is raring to go for the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth, and is hoping to bring back another medal for India.
A former professional cricketer, life was good for Sumeer in the early 2000s. He was a rising star in Cricket, with a goal to play for the country. However, an incident of extreme dehydration led to an Acute Kidney Injury. Fortunately, due to timely intervention, he was able to recover, and played for almost 4 years when unfortunate circumstances cut short his cricketing career. He moved away from cricket, into learning the science of Sport And Exercise, and became a sought-after wellness consultant.
Twelve years later, a severe bout of bronchitis and chest infection while on a high-altitude training program caused both his kidneys to shut down. He was advised dialysis and after waiting for three years, he received a kidney from a Cadaver Donor. This kidney also failed three years later, pushing him back to dialysis.
While he was in the documentation process for his 2nd Transplant, he was rushed for an emergency surgery due to an aortic dissection. March 2019 began with a series of hospital stays with a count of eight critical surgeries till September 2019, when he was fit enough to undergo his 2nd transplant with a close family friend as a kidney donor.
To feel the thrill of life after a transplant, within 3 months he got back to his physical fitness training to participate in a 10km run. He was overjoyed to have reached the finish line and as a result he is now in the Asian Book of Records and Indian Book of Records for being the only 2-time kidney transplant recipient who ran a 10k run within 100 days of his transplant! But fate wasn’t finished with Sumeer, and in 2020 he had a repeat aortic dissection as well as cataract surgeries in both his eyes.
Through all of this, Sumeer has not given up his dream to play for his country. He is currently training to participate in the upcoming 2023 World Transplant Games, in Perth and he will be competing in multiple sporting events like Badminton, Football, and Tennis. He firmly believes that even with multiple serious health conditions, life can be lived with full gusto.
Sameehulla’s father, a retired teacher, was suffering from liver cirrhosis for five years, going through regular periodic check-ups. At the end of 2019, his father’s doctor told them that his condition was worsening by the day. It was quickly getting to the point that there would be no option but to get a transplant. But the cost of the transplant surgery was prohibitive for a middle income family like Sameehulla’s, so the transplant was delayed as the family desperately looked for options. In April of 2020, the transplant finally happened, Sameehulla donated a part of his liver to his father. Two years later, both Sameehulla and his father are living healthy lives.
An athlete and a sprinter from his school days, the moment Sameehulla heard about the World Transplant Games 2023, he knew he had to participate. He has been preparing ever since to bring home the gold for India.
Raghavenra Nagaraj was diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis in March 2010 and informed by the doctors that he would need a liver transplant in about 3 years’ time. Things were going fine until June 2014, when he developed appendicitis and needed surgery. The surgery got complicated, and his liver took a beating. His doctor opined that his liver was still good and if managed well, he could postpone my transplant for the next 7 to 10 years, but while his treatment was going on, he got an infection and developed swelling in his feet. The time for the transplant had come sooner than had been anticipated.
Since there was no donor in his family, he had to register himself with the Government of Tamil Nadu and waited for almost 10 months, during which time, he developed several complications and was in and out of hospital. On 10th October 2017, he was admitted to the hospital with very low blood pressure and a swollen abdomen. That same afternoon the transplant Coordinator visited him and told him that there was an organ available. On 12th October 2017, he received his kidney, and his new lease on life.
Today, at the age of 59, Raghavendra is keeping fit and in good health, participating in athletic sports such as road racing, 10K walk and 5 K walk and run. An active cricket player at the school level, he eagerly took his doctor’s advice to participate in the World Transplant Games in Newcastle in 2019. Four years later, he is once again preparing to participate in the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth.
There are some people in this world who truly embody the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice. Meet Mrs. Deepa P S, a mother who has shown an incredible act of love and kindness by donating her kidney to her son Varun. She made this decision without hesitation, despite knowing the risks and challenges that come with such a procedure. Her son had been suffering from a severe kidney condition for some time, and his health had been deteriorating rapidly. The family had exhausted all other options, and a kidney transplant was their last hope to help him lead a normal life. Deepa knew that this was her chance to save her son's life and did not think twice about donating her kidney.
The transplant surgery was a success, and her son's health began to improve, but for Mrs. Deepa P S, the journey did not end there. She had to undergo months of recovery. However, she never complained and kept her spirits high, always focusing on the positive outcome that her sacrifice had brought about. She is doing perfectly fine now due to her will power and also because of her hardwork and incredible act of love, Deepa has been selected to represent India in the World Transplant Games 2023 in the organ donor category. This prestigious event brings together transplant recipients and donors from around the world to celebrate the gift of life and promote organ donation.
For her, this is not just an opportunity to showcase her skills and athleticism; it is a chance to inspire others to become organ donors and save lives. She hopes to spread the message that organ donation is not just a medical procedure but a life-saving act of kindness that has the power to change the world. As we watch Mrs. Deepa P S compete in the games, let us remember the incredible sacrifice she made for her son and the countless other donors who have saved lives through their selflessness. May we be inspired by her courage and dedication to the cause of organ donation and be motivated to make a positive difference in the world.
Meet Varun Anand, a young 13-year-old from Bangalore who was diagnosed with Chronic kidney disease when he was just 9. His parents had to watch their little one undergo very painful treatments, dialysis and innumerable hospital stays. It soon reached a point where a kidney transplant was imminent. Then Varun's mother, Deepa donated one of her kidneys to her son to give him a new lease of life. Post-transplant also he had multiple struggles including NODAT (New Onset Diabetes After Transplant) and several rejection episodes to name a few. But as time passed, with very good medical treatment, his positive attitude and prayers, Varun's health improved, diabetes reversed, and he is able to lead a relatively normal life. He was very grateful to his mother for her selfless act and to his doctor Dr Saumil Gaur (at Rainbow Children's Hospital, Marathahalli, Bangalore) for all his vast knowledge, kindness, and care.
As Varun grew up, he discovered a love for racquet sports. He finds these games (Table Tennis, Badminton, Tennis etc.) challenging and exhilarating, so works hard to excel in these sports and to keep himself fit. His hard work and dedication paid off and Varun's greatest achievement came when he was selected to represent India at the World Transplant Games, 2023. These games bring together athletes who have undergone organ transplants from around the world. Varun is thrilled to be able to participate and compete on a world stage with others who had undergone the same challenges he had. He is very determined to make his mother and his country proud and wants to give his all in every match.
He is a 7th standard student of BVM Global School, Bangalore. Varun's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he never gave up. He worked hard and persevered, and he was able to achieve his dreams of representing India and excelling in the games he loves. Varun's story is also a reminder of the importance of organ donation. Organ transplants can save and transform lives, and they give recipients like Varun the chance to live full and meaningful lives. Varun's mother is his superhero, and he is grateful to her every day for giving him the gift of life and to his dad and younger brother Vaibhav for all the support they provide. By becoming an organ donor, each of us can give the gift of life to someone in need, just like Varun's mother did for him.
"Hi, My name is Amit Prasada who had his liver transplant in September 2020, prior to that I had worked in IT & BPM space for 24 years in various geographies across the globe . In my last assignment in Barcelona ,. I received a new Liver from my Close friend in Delhi in September 2020,post transplant my life has been only better and healthier. One of my reason reason to participate in the WTG is to bring a closure to my semi retired life and to create awareness to organ donation. I started playing golf in March 2021."
-Amit Prasad
Amit Prasada worked in the IT & BPM space for 24 years in various geographies across the globe. Following an illness in 2020, Amit began his transplant in September 2020. He received a new liver from a close friend, following which his life has been better and healthier. He began playing golf in March 2021 and is now preparing for the World Transplant Games, bringing an end to his semi-retirement and also to create awareness about organ donation.
Mr. Dinoy Thomas was hospitalised with significant heart failure in 2013 after being diagnosed of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. He was treated at the Lisie Heart Institute,Kochi, Kerala.
While his illness was not being controlled by drugs, a heart transplant was suggested to him. Later, in 2013, he got a successful heart transplant. He gradually got better and returned to his normal life.
He joined Nippon Toyota, one of Kerala's biggest car dealerships, in 2015. He drives automobiles across Kerala to consumers for the company as a delivery driver. Dinoy is committed to being fit and strictly adheres to his exercise routine. He took part in the 5K race, which was held in association with Spice Coast Marathon in December 2022.He took part in the event as one of the 200 or so volunteers of the Heart Care Foundation who were there to promote organ donation. He was acknowledged during the event by none other than Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketing god.
Mr. Sachin made a social media comment on Mr. Dinoy and his surgeon that was highly received throughout the state and had a significantly positive influence on the idea of organ donation.
Mr Dinoy Thomas will be the first heart transplant patient from India to participate in the World Transplant Games.
He is supported by Heart Care Foundation and Nippon Toyota Group. His family comprises of a younger son, an older daughter, and his wife, a homemaker. He is a resident of Kochi, Kerala.
Amit Sharma’s high blood pressure led his kidneys to fail. For two years, he was on dialysis, a time he does not remember fondly. Faced with constant issues like cramps, vomiting and fatigue, Amit began to suffer from depression. To make matters worse, because of his condition, he could only drink one litre of water in a day, leaving him constantly parched. Finally, there was no option left for Amit, but to get a transplant, and his elder sister volunteered to donate her kidney.
Seven years have passed since his transplant, and Amit’s life is vastly different. Despite his family’s concerns that he would be unable to get married because of his condition, he was very fortunate to have met and married the love of his life. To add to the family’s happiness, his sister, who had donated her kidney, was also blessed with a child, proving that both recipients and donors can lead full lives after transplant.
A state level badminton player in school and university, Amit is, along with fellow transplant athletes from his hometown of Jaipur, fully committed to representing Team India at the World Transplant Games 2023.
Hitesh Sharma began his long, arduous journey with Kidney Disease at 14 years of age. He was told it was a rare auto- immune disease called Systemic Lupus Disorder (SLE). Getting to school and indulging in daily activities had been such a difficult task! With prolonged lifesaving medication and routine follow-ups, he managed a healthy life just like other children of his age till the age of 20. However, life had other surprises waiting for him! SLE had started affecting his kidney and he was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. From 2017, his health deteriorated and soon he began undergoing dialysis thrice a week. Life became horrible and painful on a dialysis machine. Seeing Hitesh's agony his father donated his kidney to Hitesh.
Hitesh's life experiences taught him many lessons. He was grateful to his mother who gave him his first life, and the second life which was gifted by his proud donor father. He strongly encourages people to stay fit and take care of themselves. His participation in the World Transplant Games is to encourage more people to pledge their organs so more lives can be saved.
A sportsman since his school days, Kishor’s transplant journey started back in 2007, when he needed a kidney transplant. His sister was a willing donor and the transplant was a success. Kishor was eager to get back to sports, and as soon as he was able, he did so with gusto. He has participated in the National Transplant games every consecutive year since 2012, winning three gold medals, and went on to represent India in the World Transplant Games in 2019 at Newcastle, UK.
Grateful for the second chance, Kishor has made it his mission to live his life to the fullest, whether by representing his country at the international level or by his love for singing. Kishor is very much the life of the party, breaking into song at any given opportunity. At a recent camp for the World Transplant Games held at the Manav Rachna University, his teammates were often treated to the sound of Kishor’s melodious voice.
Kishor is training hard for the upcoming World Transplant Games where he hopes to bring home his first medal in an international competition.
Bhawani Singh had a kidney transplant 19 years ago, when I was only 19 years old. During the first year after his transplant, he was given strict precautions, but gradually routine life started. He finished his studies and currently works with the Rajasthan government. Bhawani is also married with 2 children. He started sports slowly, with less taxing sports like darts and shooting, but later took up Lawn Bowls and Badminton, receiving Silver Medal in 2018 National Transplant Games Mumbai.
In preparation for the World Transplant Games, Bhawani trained in Lawn Bowls from RK Anand Lawn Bowls Club in Ranchi, supported by Chandan Kumar Singh, who brought a silver medal for India in the Commonwealth Games and under the supervision of India's National Lawn Ball Coach Roshan ji.
Parag Kamal Sharma aged 48 years was diagnosed with CKD in 2011, subsequently diagnosed with renal failure in 2018. When transplant became to only viable option, his family supported him in the toughest time of his life and all eligible adults including his brothers, his wife and mother aged 62 were willing to donate their kidneys. His mother was the most viable option and he got his kidney transplant on 26 th March 2019.
A good sportsman in his youth, he re-started his journey in sports after he came to know about the World Transplant Games through social media. He is practicing, regularly and giving his best to participate in the World Transplant Games, despite his busy schedule at his workplace, the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi where he is working as Programmer and looking after the IT Department.
Following his son, Varun’s transplant, Anand's commitment to organ donation has led him to participate in the World Transplant Games in the Donor Family category in 5 KM Race Walk event. His participation is a way of promoting organ donation and raising awareness about the importance of this life-saving act.
Anand hopes that this efforts will help to inspire other families to consider organ donation and to see the positive impact it can have on someone's life. He also wants to tell the world that family bond plays a crucial role in the recovery process post-transplant. The support, care, and encouragement of family members can help the patient through the difficult stages of recovery and contribute to their overall health and well-being.