Team India Athletes Shine at Goa & KD Marathon While Championing Organ Donation

Across India, transplant athletes continue to demonstrate that life after transplant is not only possible — it is powerful.

From marathon finish lines to national training camps and international podiums, Team India’s momentum reflects the growing strength of transplant sport and organ donation awareness throughout the country.

Umesh Dhavalikar: A Marathon Close to the Heart

Umesh Dhavalikar, Team India Athletics Captain and liver transplant recipient, recently completed the Goa Marathon 10km — improving his timing to 69 minutes in what he described as “an encouraging experience with a good degree of ease.”

But this race carries deeper meaning.

In 2016, within a year of his transplant, Umesh completed the same 10km event — having even participated in it just one month before his transplant surgery. Successfully finishing that race post-transplant became a turning point.

“The preparation, participation and successful completion of the 10km in 2016 was a huge booster to my confidence and belief that I could be physically active in sport. That’s when my journey truly began — running, cycling and more.”

That belief continues to carry him forward today.

Meanwhile, the 4th edition of the Marathon organised by KD Hospital in Ahmedabad, with ORGAN India as Hope Partner, brought together nearly 10,000 participants across 32km, 21km, 10km and 5km distances.

Fourteen members of Team India proudly participated to support organ donation awareness and were felicitated alongside ORGAN India for their dedicated advocacy work.

Held at the scenic Sabarmati Riverfront, the event was a powerful celebration of fitness and purpose. Special thanks were extended to Mr Nikhil, DGM of KD Hospital, for inviting ORGAN India to be part of the initiative and for his continued support of the cause.

Building the Future: National-Level Petanque Training Camp

Momentum continues beyond competition.

The Transplant & Para Sports Association of Puducherry (TAPSAP), under the guidance of ORGAN India, has announced a National-Level Petanque Training Camp (Transplant Category) from 19–22 March 2026 at the TAPSAP Petanque Training Centre in Marapalam, Puducherry.

This four-day camp is designed exclusively for transplant athletes, focusing on technical skill development, tactical gameplay, physical conditioning and mental preparedness.

ORGAN India, serving as Knowledge Partner, will also provide guidance on organ donation awareness and transplant rehabilitation — ensuring holistic athlete development.

Puducherry, known as the capital of Petanque in India with a 100-year legacy in the sport, continues to empower transplant and para-athletes to compete at national and international levels.

Celebrating Milestones and Medals

Team India’s achievements extend well beyond one event.

Preeti Unhale recently celebrated 25 years post–heart transplant — an extraordinary milestone and testament to medical excellence and organ donation. In 2025, she proudly represented Team India at the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden, demonstrating the extraordinary possibilities that transplantation creates.

Swati Kapre, now 23 years post liver transplant, competed in the 8th National Master Games 2026 in Pune, Maharashtra. Facing professional athletes from across India, she secured Gold in Women’s Singles and Silver in Mixed Doubles — achievements she credits in part to the support and encouragement of transplant athletes worldwide.

Meanwhile, Vedica Shrivastav — a Vedic lifestyle coach and living liver donor — captured national attention after winning gold at the 7th National Vietnamese Martial Art “Quan Ki Do” Championship in Jammu, just months after donating 60% of her liver to save her mother’s life.

Her victory has renewed public focus on organ donation awareness and highlighted the strength of transplant families in India. She plans to compete at the World Transplant Games 2027 as part of the Indian contingent.