India's contingent at the World Transplant Games 2025, held from 17–24 August in Dresden, Germany, achieved a historic milestone - returning home with a record 63 medals (16 gold, 22 silver, and 25 bronze). With this extraordinary performance, India ranked 13th among 51 participating nations, marking its best-ever finish at the Games and cementing its status as a rising force in global transplant sport.

Representing India at this international celebration of courage and resilience was Team India, coordinated and managed by ORGAN India, an initiative of the Parashar Foundation. As the driving force behind India's participation, ORGAN India meticulously prepared, trained, managed, and inspired the country's largest-ever contingent–57 athletes (49 organ recipients and 8 living donors or donor family members) who competed among 1,600 participants across 17 sports.

The World Transplant Games, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, unite transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families from across the globe to demonstrate that life after transplantation is not only possible but extraordinary. India's spirited performance in Dresden reflected both athletic excellence and the grit and determination of our fantastic team of athletes from across India.

Athletes from Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Delhi competed with passion and pride. Among them were heart recipient Preeti Unhale, who continues to thrive 24 years post-transplant, and liver recipient Swati Kapre, celebrating 22 years of renewed life. Their participation stood as living proof of the long-term success of transplantation in India.

Among the highlights, Jaskaran Singh, a kidney donor to his wife, won four golds and one silver, earning the title of Outstanding Donor Athlete of the Games. Rajasthan's Ramdev Singh, who underwent a kidney transplant from his mother in 2012, secured four medals, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze in the highly competitive Track & Field 30–39 category. The Anand family from Bangalore created history with 13 medals, with 15-year-old Varun winning four, Deepa three, Anand two, and Vaibhav four, making it a remarkable donor-recipient family triumph. Former Army shot-putter Satyawan Panghal, returning to sport after a kidney transplant in 2021, secured two golds and one silver, while 13-year-old Ishaan Anekar, who overcame Alport syndrome and a transplant in 2021, inspired audiences worldwide by winning two golds and one silver in swimming.

Equally inspiring were female living donors Taruna Upadhyay, Kanika Pathak, and Deepa P.S., who proved that the gift of life can be accompanied by the power to achieve greatness. Kidney donor Anil Srivatsa didn't let a leg fracture stop him from being carried to the sporting venue by his son and throwing a gold medal winning ball-throw shot!

The Team Behind the Triumph

India's success was powered by the meticulous planning and coordination of the dedicated team at ORGAN India, Parashar Foundation, whose leadership ensured that every athlete - from seasoned competitors to first-time participants - received the support they needed to excel. From fitness and medical readiness to travel logistics and sponsorship coordination, every detail was handled with precision and care.

Led by Ms. Anika Parashar, Chairperson of the Parashar Foundation, and fully supported by the Trustees of the Foundation as well as those of the Vijaya Gujral Foundation, the team rose to new heights. With 10 outstanding captains leading different sports, India's athletes delivered performances that exceeded all expectations. Due to a shortfall of funds, only four members of the ORGAN India management were able to travel to Dresden to manage 57 athletes - an extraordinary feat of dedication, organization, and commitment. Deep gratitude goes to all of them, especially Team Manager Shankar Arora, whose tireless efforts and leadership helped steer the contingent to this incredible success.

Training and Partnerships

The athletes' outstanding performance was strengthened through a focused training partnership with Manav Rachna University, which has been working closely with ORGAN India to provide professional sports training and performance conditioning to transplant athletes. Their scientifically designed fitness programs, physiotherapy support, and personalized guidance ensured that every athlete was mentally and physically prepared to compete on the world stage.

The contingent's success was also made possible by the steadfast support of the Dinesh Vyas Public Charitable Trust for the second consecutive time, along with the valued contributions of Subros which joined this time and supported the team. Our gratitude to Geekay Winding, To the New, Organ Transplant Trust, Macleod Pharma, Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation, and Puma for sponsoring the official kits for the athletes and helping them carry India's spirit of unity and pride throughout the Games.

India's performance in Dresden was more than a sporting victory - it was a profound social statement. Athletes came back to ecstatic crowds in their hometowns, amplifying the message of organ donation and transplantation. The athletes' stories have inspired countless families to consider pledging their organs, to help building a culture of compassion across the country.

A felicitation ceremony and press conference in New Delhi honoured the athletes, managers, and partners who made the achievement possible. The event was graced by Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, NOTTO, alongside sponsors, training partners, and well-wishers who contributed to this collective success.

The Road Ahead

With the next World Transplant Games scheduled to be held in Belgium, ORGAN India aims to take over 100 athletes to represent the country–doubling the team size and expanding participation across more sports to see India break into the top five medal winners globally.

To make this vision a reality, we are seeking medical partners and major sponsors to join this movement so every transplant recipient and donor in India can showcase what is possible when courage meets opportunity.

As the curtain falls on the 2025 Games, one message shines bright: Life after transplant is not just about survival–it is about victory.