New Delhi, 2nd May, 2025: ORGAN India in collaboration with the Manav Rachna Sports Science Institute and the O.P. Bhalla Foundation is hosting a special training camp from April 29 to May 4, 2025 for transplant athletes representing India at the upcoming World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden, Germany from August 17–25, 2025.
ORGAN India is the Official Member organisation from India for the World Transplant Games
The camp at Manav Rachna University brings together 26 outstanding transplant athletes from across the country who have triumphed over life-threatening illnesses through successful organ transplants and are now preparing to represent the country on an international platform.
This year marks a historic first as India will be sending national football and volleyball teams, in addition to a seasoned Petanque team, to the Games, scheduled to be held from August 17–25, 2025.
The athletes will undergo intensive training and assessment sessions, including psychological and nutritional workshops, at the Manav Rachna Sports Science Centre, one of the leading sports science facilities in the country. These sessions will ensure that the athletes are not only physically fit but also mentally and nutritionally prepared for competition.
Also joining them are several other remarkable athletes:
- Abhinav Pangtey, from Uttarakhand, is a kidney transplant recipient who has already made his mark at the World Transplant Games 2023 with a silver in javelin throw and bronze in badminton doubles. He’s aiming for more medals this year in badminton and athletics.
- Ramdev Singh, a government technician from Rajasthan, received a kidney from his mother in 2012. He has won multiple medals at the National Transplant Games and is now looking to excel at the international level.
- Satbir Singh, who received a kidney from his father, is a passionate sportsman from Haryana. After recovering, he reignited his dream of athletic success and is preparing to compete in running events at the Games.
- Harsh Vardhan Singh, a state-level handball and tennis player, returned to sports after a kidney transplant from his mother. He won a silver medal in darts at the 2023 Games and has competed internationally in Petanque.
- Karhun Nanda, a heart transplant recipient, will again lead the Indian team after winning two silver medals in golf at the 2023 Games. His transplant allowed him to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing for India.
- Naveen, a lupus survivor and kidney transplant recipient, has turned adversity into advocacy. An avid runner, he is now set to represent India in long-distance events and continues to raise awareness about CKD and Lupus.
- Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2022, overcame major health challenges to win a gold in shot put at the National Games. He’s now training hard to bring home India’s first international gold in shot put.
- Sujith from Kerala, a former national-level hockey player, has made a triumphant return to sports after transplant and will be competing at the Games for the first time.
“This training camp is a proud moment for all of us at the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation,” said NC Wadhwa, Director General, MREI. “This is the 4th camp we are holding for transplant athletes in the last 3 years and we are excited to support these 26 athletes, whether organ recipients or donors- by providing them with expert training in sports science, psychology, physiotherapy, nutrition, and technical training for volleyball and football, ensuring they are ready to shine at the next World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany.”
Sunayana Singh, CEO of ORGAN India, shared her enthusiasm, “This camp marks a new chapter for Indian transplant athletes, providing them with the training and support they need to compete at the highest level. Thanks to the dedicated support of the Manav Rachna Sports Science Institute and the O.P. Bhalla Foundation, we are confident that Team India will be fully prepared for the World Transplant Games.”
The Indian contingent also includes three heart transplant recipients, who exemplify the strength and endurance required to compete on a world stage.
This training camp is not just a sporting event, it is a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the gift of life through organ donation. It highlights the power of the human spirit and the importance of second chances, encouraging more people to come forward and pledge their organs to save lives.