The 17th National Transplant Games, organized by the Narmada Kidney Foundation, yet again proved to be a heartwarming celebration of life and resilience with each participant showcasing the power of the human spirit.

A Day of Celebration and Hope

The 17th National Transplant Games featured an exciting lineup of events, including popular sports like Badminton, Table Tennis, Carrom, and Athletics along with emerging sports like Pickleball and Pentaque. Each sporting event highlighted the deep emotional and physical journey of both organ donors and recipients.

Lighting the Torch: A Symbol of Unity

The Games were officially kicked off with a special moment as Dr Bharat Shah, the Founder of the Narmada Kidney Foundation, lit the torch. The flame was passed to the donors and recipients, representing the shared journey of life, hope, and survival through organ donation.

50m Relay Race: A Symbol of Life

One of the most poignant moments of the day was the 50m Relay Race. The first 25m was covered by the organ donors who symbolically handed over the baton of ‘life’ to the recipients to complete the remaining 25m. As the race celebrated the enduring connection between the two groups, it also proved that there is always a second chance in life that is even more beautiful and full of hope.

100m Race: Resilience and Determination

The 100m Race was divided into age categories ranging from 8-20 years, 21-35 years, and 36-49 years. Despite the tough competition and challenging conditions, participants demonstrated incredible courage and determination to complete the run. This powerful display of perseverance was a reminder that the journey of organ transplantation, though difficult, is one of unwavering hope and resilience.

Pickleball: A New Favourite

Pickleball, which has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years, saw a great turnout. Participants tried their hands at this engaging sport that provided fun as well as a competitive environment for donors and recipients. They came together to try something new while showcasing their athleticism and teamwork.

Pentaque: A New Challenge

The participants were also introduced to a new game called Pentaque. The game involved throwing or rolling boules/balls closer to a small target ball known as the ‘jack’. The goal is to get as close as possible to the target ball, with the closest ball winning the round. This new addition was a hit, offering a relaxed atmosphere among the participants to bond over something fresh and exciting.

Shot Put: A Test of Strength

The Shot Put event at the 17th National Transplant Games added a touch of strength and determination to the day’s proceedings. Participants showcased their physical power and mental toughness as they competed in this challenging event.

Other Events

Whether it was the intense focus of the table tennis matches or the excitement of box cricket, every event was a reminder of the strength, passion, and vitality that both donors and recipients bring to life.

67-year-old Shaikh Ansaf Khasam, who underwent a liver transplant in 2013, with his son as the donor, showcased his incredible skill and perseverance in the Carom competition. “People should not be afraid of any kind of transplantation because we can lead a normal life after transplantation. You can have my example. I also lead a normal life and play sports. Carom is one of the sports that I play and every year I come here to participate in this event,” Khasam said at the sidelines of the 17th National Transplant Games.

Another inspiring participant was Digvijay Singh from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. Having represented India in the World Transplant Games, Singh said, “I had my kidney transplantation in 2011. My journey so far has been awesome. The day I got my kidney, it was a rebirth for me. I started participating in sports after my transplant and now have won 22 gold medals and 3 silver medals in the National Transplant Games. In 2019, at the World Transplant Games, I won a silver medal in Squash and in 2023 a bronze in the same sport.”

Prize Distribution Ceremony: Celebrating Excellence

As the day ended, the event culminated in a prize distribution ceremony where winners from various competitions were honoured for their performances. Medals, certificates, and trophies were presented to the top finishers in each category. The awardees stood proudly, not only as champions of the Games but as shining examples of the strength and resilience that define the transplant community.

The 17th National Transplant Games 2024 was a resounding success, reinforcing the power of organ donation and the lasting impact it has on both the recipients and their families.