The Impressive TimesFaridabad, 05 May 2025: In a significant step toward global sporting excellence, ORGAN India, in collaboration with the Manav Rachna Sports Science Institute and the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation, is hosting a national-level training camp from April 29 to May 4, 2025 recently. The camp is specially designed for transplant athletes who will represent India at the prestigious World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden, Germany, from August 17 to 25.
As the official member organization from India for the World Transplant Games, ORGAN India has brought together 26 extraordinary athletes—organ transplant recipients and donors—who have overcome life-threatening conditions to now don the national colors in international competition. This year marks a historic milestone for India, which will be fielding national teams in football and volleyball for the first time at the Games, alongside its experienced Petanque contingent. Held at the state-of-the-art Manav Rachna Sports Science Centre, the camp offers intensive physical, psychological, and nutritional training to ensure the athletes are fully equipped—mentally and physically—for global competition. Among the standout athletes are Nirmaljeet Kaur, a volleyball player from Chandigarh, who received a life-saving organ donation from her husband. The couple now competes together internationally. Ankit Kumar from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, a promising young athlete from the PGI Transplant Games, who will compete in multiple disciplines. Priti Unhale, a heart transplant recipient from AIIMS Delhi, who celebrates 24 years post-transplant. A gold medalist in badminton at the 2023 Kochi Transplant Games, she will debut in Petanque at the World Games. Other inspiring athletes include Abhinav Pangtey from Uttarakhand, a kidney recipient and medalist at the 2023 Games, competing again in badminton and athletics. Ramdev Singh, a technician from Rajasthan, who received a kidney from his mother in 2012 and now aims for international glory. Satbir Singh from Haryana, a runner and kidney transplant recipient fueled by renewed athletic dreams. Harsh Vardhan Singh, a handball and tennis player who returned to competition after a kidney transplant, now excelling in Petanque and darts. Karhun Nanda, a heart recipient and two-time silver medalist in golf, who will once again lead the Indian team. Naveen, a lupus survivor and kidney transplant recipient, who now runs and advocates for awareness of chronic illnesses. Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, a shot put gold medalist at the National Games, aiming for India’s first international gold in the sport post-transplant. Sujith from Kerala, a former national hockey player making a comeback to sports after his transplant. Dr. NC Wadhwa, Director General of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “This is the fourth camp we’ve conducted for transplant athletes in three years. We are proud to offer these 26 athletes comprehensive support through sports science, psychology, physiotherapy, nutrition, and technical training—empowering them to shine on the world stage.” Sunayana Singh, CEO of ORGAN India, added, “This camp marks a transformative chapter for transplant athletes in India. With the support of our partners at Manav Rachna and the O.P. Bhalla Foundation, we are confident that our athletes will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud.”
Notably, the Indian contingent includes three heart transplant recipients, whose determination and resilience embody the spirit of the World Transplant Games. This training camp is more than preparation—it’s a celebration of life, strength, and the power of second chances.
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