Team India Shined in Dresden: 57 Athletes, 3 New Team Sports, and Stories of Resilience

Team India arrived at the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden stronger than ever, with 57 athletes, 49 recipients and 8 donors.

🏟 The Road to Dresden

In preparation for the Games, ORGAN India, in association with the Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO), Organ Transplant Trust, and PGIMER Chandigarh, hosted the ROTTO-PGI Transplant Games 2025 at the Sector 7 Sports Complex, Chandigarh.

The event brought together 300+ transplant recipients and donors from nearly 15 states including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Manipur, Delhi, and Odisha.

This spectacular two-day celebration showcased grit, determination, and the extraordinary skills of transplant athletes. For the first time, Badminton, Athletics, and Petanque were introduced as competitive sports, and several of the athletes who went on to compete in Dresden were first “discovered” at this event.

The success of this initiative set the stage for what is hoped will become an annual national event promoting transplant sport across India.

🌟 Athlete Story 1: Sujith S

A physical education teacher from Kerala, Sujith S was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease and liver failure at the age of 26. His mother became his donor in 2019, giving him a second chance at life.

A lifelong sportsperson, Sujith had once played hockey for Kerala University and served as a football goalkeeper. After transplant, he returned to the field, winning a silver medal in the 200m race at the 2023 Kochi Transplant Games.

In Dresden, Sujith proudly made his first international representation for India. His story, from life-threatening illness to national dreams, reflects the very heart of the Games: celebrating the Gift of Life, and proving that transplants don’t just save lives, they reignite them.

🌟 Athlete Story 2: Preeti Unhale

In 2000, what began as minor health issues turned into a severe heart condition for Preeti Unhale, leaving her with no choice but to undergo a life-saving heart transplant.

Now, 24 years later, after facing multiple rejections and challenges, Preeti made her return to the Games in Dresden, competing in Badminton and Petanque.

Her journey, spanning nearly a quarter of a century since her transplant, stood as a powerful symbol of endurance, hope, and the extraordinary gift of a second chance.

💚 A Nation’s Pride

Team India’s participation in Dresden was more than about medals, it was about unity, awareness, and honouring the Gift of Life. With historic team sports debuts and powerful individual stories, India left its mark on the Games, inspiring the global community and proving that life after transplant is limitless.