India’s largest-ever contingent of 57 athletes, all organ recipients or living donors, returned triumphantly from the World Transplant Games held in Dresden, Germany, with a record haul of 63 medals.
The medal tally comprised 16 gold, 22 silver, and 25 bronze medals, placing India 12th overall among participants from 51 countries competing across 17 sports disciplines. This performance nearly doubled India’s achievement in the previous Games in 2023, where 32 athletes won 35 medals, marking a significant leap in the nation’s presence and success in transplant sports.
Remarkable Stories of Resilience and Triumph
Among the standout athletes was Dr. Jaskaran Singh, a veterinary doctor from Chandigarh who donated a kidney to his wife and subsequently won four gold medals and one silver, earning the title of Outstanding Donor Athlete of the Games. He reinforced the message that organ donation and transplantation open the door to a full and active life, saying, “I never felt I had only one kidney.”
Rajasthan’s Ramdev Singh, a kidney transplant recipient since 2012, contributed four medals in track and field events. Other notable performers included former Army shot putter Satyawan Panghal, who returned to competition after his transplant in 2021, earning two golds and a silver.
Thirteen-year-old Ishaan Anekar, who overcame Alport syndrome and received a transplant in 2021, inspired many by winning two golds and a silver in swimming. The Anand family from Bangalore collectively brought home 13 medals, highlighting the family’s extraordinary commitment and spirit.
Leading the Charge: Founders Behind Organ India
Organ India, formally known as the Organ Receiving & Giving Awareness Network (ORGAN) India, was launched in March 2013 as an initiative of the Parashar Foundation, an NGO based in Delhi. The foundation was established in 2005 by the late Shri Ashok Parashar to support various charitable causes. The organisation’s focus on organ donation was inspired by the personal journey of the late Mrs. Kirti Parashar, former Chairperson, who herself needed a heart transplant. Under the leadership of co-founder and CEO Ms. Sunayana Singh, ORGAN India has grown into a major force in raising awareness, providing support to transplant recipients, and advocating organ donation across India. The NGO works closely with government agencies and health organisations to expand the culture of organ donation nationwide.
World Transplant Games: More Than Just a Sports Event
The World Transplant Games, held biennially since 1978, are a unique international sporting event dedicated exclusively to organ recipients, living donors, and donor families. Designed to accommodate the special needs of transplant athletes, who must manage lifelong medication and health challenges, the Games offer a platform to celebrate life, health, and competitive spirit.
The 2025 edition brought together around 1,600 participants from nearly 70 nations, representing a powerful global movement to celebrate organ donation and dispel myths around post-transplant capabilities. The Games’ significance extends beyond the medals, focusing on honouring donors and inspiring widespread organ donation awareness worldwide.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, this remarkable success shines a light on the profound impact of generosity, resilience, and determination. These athletes embody the triumph of the human spirit and the transformative power of organ donation, inspiring us to reconsider how society views organ recipients and donors.
Their victories go beyond sports, they challenge stigmas and encourage a culture of empathy, inclusion, and life-affirming choices. As India continues to build momentum in organ donation awareness, the country has much to gain from such role models.
Every jersey tells a story of survival. Every heartbeat, a donor’s legacy. Team India at #WTG2025 isn’t just playing—they’re honoring life, loss & the gift of organ donation. Pledge today at https://t.co/iHTyNOIQm1 💚 #WorldTransplantGames2025 #organdonationday pic.twitter.com/n7tPUYvGJs
— Team India @ World Transplant Games (@TeamIndiaWTG) August 6, 2025
