• Bronze for renal patient at World Transplant Games
    Times of India | 27 August 2025
  • Kolkata: Renal failure almost robbed Raj Sarki of his pleasure in indulging in sporting activities. But the gutsy 33-year-old from Dooars' Jaigaon turned the tide around, post-kidney transplant, to win a bronze medal at the recently concluded World Transplant Games (WTG) in Germany's Dresden. The fresh lease of life after the kidney transplant three years ago launched his first foray into competitive sports to show the world that it is possible to lead a normal life after transplant surgery.

    Held every two years, WTG is aimed at encouraging organ recipients and donors to live normal lives and to promote organ donation by showcasing the fitness achievable by transplant recipients. The WTG 2025 was held in Germany between Aug 17 and 23.

    An all-rounder in sports, Sarki would play various sports, including football and sprints, during his school and college days. Detected with renal failure in 2022, he underwent a kidney transplant in Sept that yearat RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS), with his elder sister Rajani gifting him a second life. | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata"I am not the kind to sit back at home during my leisure time. Ten months after the transplant, I started playing badminton to keep myself away from negative thoughts," said Sarki, who is in the hotel industry.

    Last year, he came to know about WTG from social media and got connected with ORGAN India, an NGO that coordinates the event for Indians. During the first camp in Aug last year, he was selected for sprints and football, the 400 m relay race, and the 5 km run. More camps followed, during which the 57 athletes (a mix of organ recipients and donors) from across the country that would represent India were trained in strength and techniques while giving the team constant psychological support.

    "I had always wanted to play for my country, and the opportunity came post my kidney transplant. This was also my chance to show that organ failure is not the end of the world, but one can start afresh with an organ transplant," said Sarki.

    Before leaving for Germany, Sarki met RTIICS nephrology head Deepak Shankar Ray, under whom the renal transplant was done. "Sarki's win should encourage others who have undergone transplant surgery or are battling renal failure. This should also encourage organ donors, as this noble act can assure a normal life to those battling organ failure," said Ray.

    Back home now, Sarki's family, including his donor sister, is overwhelmed. He has plans to speak to organ failure patients or those who have undergone transplant surgeries in his native place, asking them to never give up. "A single negative thought crossing your mind can degenerate all positive energy and thoughts. Hence, one needs to keep the positivity and look ahead in life," said Sarki.

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