Transplant Games celebrate the power of second chance

The fifth edition of the ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games 2025 concluded in Chandigarh. The inspiring event brought together over 300 transplant recipients and organ donors at the Sector 7 Sports Complex.

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Organised by the PGIMER in collaboration with Organ Transplant Trust, ROTTO North, the Indian Society of Transplant Surgeons and ORGAN India, the two-day sporting event celebrated life after transplantation. The games featured intense competitions across multiple disciplines, including sprints, badminton, javelin throw, race-walk and tug-of-war, with participants divided into two age categories—under 40 and above 40 years.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Rajpal Singh, former captain of the Indian National Hockey, compared organ donation to a relay race, stating that just as a race depends on the seamless passing of the baton, organ donation ensured the continuation of life and hope for others. “The human spirit is invincible and today these athletes have proven that second chance in life can be as powerful as the first,” he added.

Dr Anil Kumar, Director of NOTTO, praised the PGI’s commitment to organ donation, emphasising that the Games represent more than just a competition—they are a movement fostering hope, encouraging organ donation and proving that life post-transplantation is full of potential. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the deceased donor programme and bridge the gap between organ demand and availability in India through the National Organ Transplant Programme’s three-tier model.

Among the many inspiring stories was that of Dharmendra Kumar Soti from Lucknow, a two-time kidney recipient in 2001 and 2019, who has won several gold, silver and bronze medals in badminton (singles and doubles) at World Transplant Games (WTG).

Another heartwarming story was that of Preeti, who underwent a heart transplant in Delhi 25 years ago and won a silver medal in badminton at the games. There was Swati Milind Kapre, 61, a liver recipient from 2002. She also played badminton and won silver at the PGI Transplant Games and is hopeful of competing at WTG. The participants hailed from nearly 15 states.

Ankit Kumar, who underwent kidney transplant in 2023, came all the way from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, to participate in track events like long jump, 100m and 200m races. He was a national-level volleyball player and the medical setback didn’t hold him back from participating in sports.

Prof Vipin Koushal, Nodal Officer, ROTTO, remarked that these families were the bedrock of the cadaver donation programme and it was the responsibility of recipients to carry forward this noble cause.