Transplant Recipients Showcase Resilience at ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games
CHANDIGARH, India – More than 300 transplant recipients and organ donors converged at the Sector 7 Sports Complex in Chandigarh for the inspiring ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games 2025, a two-day celebration of life and athletic ability.The event, organized by PGIMER chandigarh and collaborating organizations, highlighted the extraordinary potential of individuals who have received life-saving organ transplants.
athletes Display Talent and Determination After Transplant
Participants, many of whom had faced critical organ failure, demonstrated remarkable strength in events ranging from sprints and badminton to javelin throws and race-walks. Competition was divided into under-40 and over-40 age categories. The games partnered with ORGAN India to introduce competitive events for elite athletes, many of whom have participated in the World Transplant Games.
Games Serve as Stepping Stone to World Stage
The Transplant Games provide a vital platform for recipients aspiring to compete in the World transplant Games, offering opportunities to gain experience and motivation. Badminton, athletics, and Petanque were introduced, preparing athletes for the upcoming World Transplant Games in Germany in August 2025.This marked the first national-level Petanque competition in North India.
Donor Families Honored for Life-Saving Gifts
A key moment was the recognition of donor families. their generous decision during times of personal tragedy provided a second chance at life for transplant recipients.
Organ Donation: A Relay Race of Life
Rajpal, former captain of the Indian National Hockey Team, drew parallels between relay races and organ donation, emphasizing the importance of “passing on a precious gift” to ensure a lasting legacy. Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of NOTTO, praised PGIMER’s dedication to organ donation, calling the Games a movement of hope that demonstrates the potential of life after transplantation.
Inspirational Stories of Triumph
Digvijay Singh,a kidney recipient and professional bodybuilder,shared his journey from terminal illness to champion athlete. He won silver and bronze medals at previous World Transplant Games. Preeti, a heart transplant recipient of 25 years, secured a bronze medal in badminton; and Swati Kapre, a liver transplant recipient of 22 years, secured silver in badminton. The games also revealed new talent such as Ankit, a kidney recipient; Ramdev and Satbir, two farmers. The contingent from Rajasthan included Harsha sharma, Amit Sharma, Hitesh Sharma, and Bhawani Singh, all World Transplant Games 2023 medalists instrumental in introducing petanque to North India.
Celebrating the Success of Transplantation
Prof. Ashish Sharma,Head of the Dept of Renal Transplant Surgery,highlighted the games’ purpose: proving the success of organ transplantation,enabling former patients to thrive through the gift of organ donation.
What is the primary purpose of the ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games, beyond simply athletic competition?
Transplant Recipients Showcase Resilience at ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games
CHANDIGARH, India – More than 300 transplant recipients and organ donors converged at the Sector 7 Sports Complex in Chandigarh for the inspiring ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games 2025, a two-day festivity of life and athletic ability.The event, organized by PGIMER chandigarh and collaborating organizations, highlighted the extraordinary potential of individuals who have received life-saving organ transplants.
athletes Display Talent and Determination After Transplant
Participants, many of whom had faced critical organ failure, demonstrated remarkable strength in events ranging from sprints and badminton to javelin throws and race-walks. Competition was divided into under-40 and over-40 age categories. The games partnered with ORGAN India to introduce competitive events for elite athletes,many of whom have participated in the World Transplant Games.
Games Serve as Stepping Stone to World Stage
The Transplant Games provide a vital platform for recipients aspiring to compete in the World transplant Games, offering opportunities to gain experience and motivation. Badminton, athletics, and Petanque were introduced, preparing athletes for the upcoming World Transplant games in germany in August 2025.This marked the first national-level Petanque competition in North India.
Donor Families Honored for Life-Saving Gifts
A key moment was the recognition of donor families. their generous decision during times of personal tragedy provided a second chance at life for transplant recipients.
Organ Donation: A Relay Race of Life
Rajpal, former captain of the Indian National Hockey Team, drew parallels between relay races and organ donation, emphasizing the importance of “passing on a precious gift” to ensure a lasting legacy.Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of NOTTO, praised PGIMER’s dedication to organ donation, calling the Games a movement of hope that demonstrates the potential of life after transplantation.
Inspirational Stories of Triumph
Digvijay Singh,a kidney recipient and professional bodybuilder,shared his journey from terminal illness to champion athlete. He won silver and bronze medals at previous World transplant Games. Preeti,a heart transplant recipient of 25 years,secured a bronze medal in badminton; and Swati Kapre,a liver transplant recipient of 22 years,secured silver in badminton. The games also revealed new talent such as Ankit, a kidney recipient; Ramdev and Satbir, two farmers. The contingent from Rajasthan included Harsha sharma, Amit Sharma, Hitesh Sharma, and Bhawani Singh, all World transplant Games 2023 medalists instrumental in introducing petanque to North India.
Celebrating the success of Transplantation
Prof. Ashish Sharma,Head of the Dept of Renal Transplant Surgery,highlighted the games’ purpose: proving the success of organ transplantation,enabling former patients to thrive through the gift of organ donation.
Q&A: Unpacking the ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games
What exactly are the ROTTO PGIMER Transplant games?
They’re a two-day sports event in Chandigarh, India, celebrating the resilience of organ transplant recipients and honoring organ donors. It’s a platform for athletes to compete, gain experience, and connect with others who share similar experiences. This year’s event was held on February 17th and 18th.
Who participates in these games?
The games are open to organ transplant recipients and organ donors. Competitors range from those who have undergone various types of transplants, showcasing their athletic abilities in various sports.
What sports are featured?
The games include a variety of athletic events, such as sprints, badminton, javelin throws, race-walks, and Petanque. these sports provide opportunities for athletes of all skill levels to participate. Petanque, in particular, was a new addition, making its national-level debut in North India within these games.
How do these games connect to the World Transplant Games?
The ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games serves as a stepping stone to the World Transplant Games. It provides a national-level competitive platform for athletes to gain experience and motivation, preparing them for international competition. Many participants use it as a way to qualify or train for the World Transplant Games.
Why are donor families honored?
Donor families are recognized for their selfless decision to donate organs, which gives recipients a second chance at life. Their generosity is a crucial part of the success of transplantation.
what is the significance of the “relay race” analogy?
The analogy, drawn by Rajpal, emphasizes the importance of organ donation as a “precious gift” passed on to ensure a lasting legacy, much like passing a baton in a relay race. It underscores the collaborative effort and the impact of each person involved in the organ donation process.
What inspiring stories came out of the games?
The games highlighted stories of triumph, such as Digvijay Singh, a kidney recipient and bodybuilder, and Preeti and Swati Kapre, recipients of heart and liver transplants respectively, who all achieved meaningful success. Additionally,new talents such as Ankit,Ramdev,and Satbir,were introduced,demonstrating the potential for post-transplant athletes to excel.
The ROTTO PGIMER Transplant Games are a powerful demonstration of life after transplantation, showcasing the incredible strength and determination of organ recipients. Consider supporting organ donation in your community—it’s a relay race everyone can participate in.
