New Delhi, 01 November (H.S.): Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday inaugurated the National Transplant Games 2026 at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. The event brought together organ transplant recipients, donors, healthcare professionals, families and other stakeholders from across the country to celebrate the gift of life and promote awareness about organ donation.

During the inauguration, the Vice-President paid tribute to deceased organ donors and expressed his heartfelt condolences to their families. He said their selfless decisions had given others a second chance at life. Describing the Games as a celebration of courage, determination, compassion and the invaluable gift of life, he underscored the significance of organ donation in saving lives.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

During the programme, the Vice-President released the 'Zindagi Dobara' calendar and felicitated Indian medal winners from the World Transplant Games 2025, held in Dresden, Germany.

He also witnessed a world-record attempt in which 570 organ transplant recipients and donors performed Tadasana (Mountain Pose) together. Following the successful attempt, the organisers received a certificate from the World Records Book of India, New Delhi.

The Vice-President also joined participants in taking an organ donation pledge and witnessed exhibition matches in kabaddi, table tennis and badminton.

The National Transplant Games 2026 are being held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from Sunday. Organised by the Renal Care Foundation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), the sporting event features 570 athletes who have undergone organ transplants.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about organ donation, encourage people to support the cause and celebrate the spirit of 'Zindagi Dobara' (Life Again).

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar