New Delhi, Mar 28, 2025: The 5th edition of ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games 2025 concluded on an inspiring note, bringing together over 300 transplant recipients and organ donors in a spectacular celebration of resilience and determination at Sector 7 Sports Complex, Chandigarh. Organized by PGIMER Chandigarh in collaboration with Organ Transplant Trust, ORGAN India, ROTTO North, and Indian Society of Transplant Surgeons, this two-day sporting extravaganza not only championed the cause of life after transplantation but showcased the extraordinary skills of transplant athletes.
Many participants, who once battled life-threatening organ failure, exhibited extraordinary grit and passion.
From high-energy sprints and badminton duels to precision javelin throws, endurance-testing race-walks, the Games witnessed performances across two age categories — under 40 and over 40 years. The Games, an annual fixture at PGI, went a step further this year and partnered with ORGAN India to introduce competitive events for elite athletes, many of whom have participated in the World Transplant Games for the past few years. The Games served as a stepping stone for transplant recipients aiming to compete in the World Transplant Games, offering them a platform to gain experience and build motivation. Badminton, athletics and Petanque were introduced in the competitive sports matches to prepare athletes for the next World Transplant Games to be held in Germany in August 2025. In fact, this is the first time that there is a national level Petanque competition in North India.
“We were delighted when ROTTO and PGI suggested that we hold competitive games in partnership with them. It will give athletes going to Germany a chance to hone their skills, build confidence, and prepare for the stiff competition they will face in Dresden in August,” said Sunayana Singh, CEO ORGAN India and Country Representative at the World Transplant Games Federation.
It was an electric atmosphere as the police band played and athletes from different states marched past the dignitaries.
“We are so excited that there was so much participation from across the country," said Anika Parashar, Chairperson, Parashar Foundation. There was representation by athletes across India. Participants came from nearly 15 states, including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Goa, UP, Uttarakhand, J&K, Jharkhand, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Bihar, Manipur, Delhi and Odisha.
“We thought we knew most of the good transplant athletes in India. But we found several players whom we never knew about, who are fantastic at their sport. These Games give all transplant athletes a chance to shine and be noticed,” said Shankar Arora, ORGAN India Team Manager for the Indian team going to Germany in August 2025.
The highlight of the event was the felicitation of donor families, whose magnanimous gesture amid their grim tragedy gave a second chance at life to those counting their days through transplant.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Rajpal, Former Captain, Indian National Hockey Team, drew a powerful parallel between relay races and organ donation, stating: "Just as a relay race thrives on the seamless passing of the baton, organ donation embodies the profound exchange of life. When our time comes to step back, we should pass on a precious gift, ensuring that our legacy continues, and others can race forward with newfound hope."
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Anil Kumar, Director, NOTTO, lauded PGIMER’s commitment to organ donation, stating: "The ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games are not just a competition; they are a movement — one that instill hope, encourages organ donation, and proves that life after transplantation is not only possible but full of potential."
Among the many inspiring stories was that of kidney recipient Digvijay Singh from Jabalpur, now a professional bodybuilder and silver and bronze medallist at previous World Transplant Games. Digvijay shared his remarkable journey from a terminal kidney patient to a champion, stating: "Never give up. Trust in your instincts — that’s the mantra to overcome any hurdle in life."
Another inspiring story was of Preeti who had a heart transplant at Delhi 25 years ago and won a bronze medal in badminton. And of Swati Kapre 60 yrs who has had a liver transplant 22 years ago and won silver in badminton.
Ankit, a student from Rajasthan who has had a kidney transplant, stunned everyone with incredible talent in all sports, and Ramdev and Satbir, two farmers from Haryana and Rajasthan floored all with their speed and skill. And the largest contingent, which was from Rajasthan had Harsha Sharma, Amit Sharma, Hitesh Sharma, Bhawani Singh, all medalists from the World Transplant Games 2023, who are incredibly talented at Petanque and are responsible for this French game to be introduced in North India.
Expressing gratification at the successful culmination of ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games 2025, Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head, Dept of Renal Transplant Surgery, emphasized: "The spirit of the Transplant Games is to demonstrate the success of organ transplantation. Many organ failure patients once struggled to engage in any physical activity, but today, they thrive — thanks to the gift of organ donation."
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