Proving that receiving an organ transplant or donating an organ cannot deter anyone from living life to the fullest, the participants from Team India achieved remarkable success at the World Transplant Games 2023, held in Perth, Australia. Among the medal winners were two heart transplant recipients from Delhi, who collectively won 35 medals.

According to ORGAN India, the official member organization from India for the games, Team India won a total of 20 medals in the organ recipient category and 15 medals in the living donor category. Overall, the team secured an impressive 15 gold, 10 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

The remarkable achievements of these individuals demonstrate that even after a heart transplant, one can continue to lead an active outdoor life. Their stories deserve widespread recognition and can serve as a source of inspiration and role models for both donors and recipients.

Two athletes from Delhi were among the medal winners. Rahul Prajapati, aged 29, who underwent a heart transplant at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences just before the pandemic, participated in the discus throw event in the 18-29 age category and secured a bronze medal. Similarly, Karhun Nanda, aged 50, who received a heart transplant in 2016, won a silver medal in the individual golf event.

In an interview with TOI, Nanda, who is an owner of an IT company, shared, “There is a stigma that organ recipients can’t do much after transplantation. But we have proved that we can lead a close to normal life despite the odds. We just need to change our perspective and treat the problem like a manageable disease.” Nanda experienced a silent heart attack in 2015 while playing football in Vasant Kunj, south Delhi. He underwent a transplantation in Chennai a year later in November 2016.

Expressing pride in representing his country, Nanda recalled, “I was advised not to play football after the heart attack. However, being a sportsperson, I had to take up another sport. Two years after the surgery, I started playing golf, and with dedicated practice, I won this medal for India.”

Prajapati, who works as a cook in the Madhya Pradesh tourism department, expressed disappointment at not winning a medal in badminton. However, he managed to secure a bronze medal in discus, feeling immensely proud and elated to have represented India in Australia. “People should not feel hindered by organ transplantations. Nothing changes except the organs. Your spirit remains the same,” he declared.

The Indian contingent for the WTG 2023 comprised of 32 athletes, including 24 organ transplant recipients, seven organ donors, and one donor family competitor, ranging from the ages of 13 to 63. Sunayana Singh, CEO of ORGAN India, shared that preparations are already underway for the next games in Dresden, Germany in 2025. The aim is to take a larger, fitter, better-trained, and better-funded contingent to Germany.