Bengaluru based siblings Dr Arjun Srivatsa and Anil Srivatsa, both in their mid-fifties have won laurels in World Transplant Games held in Perth, Australia recently in the organ recipient and donor category respectively. The duo had undergone an organ transplant in September 2014 where Anil donated one of his kidneys to Dr Arjun, who suffered from chronic kidney disease.
While Dr Arjun, neurosurgeon won silver in golf, Anil bagged gold in Ball throw and Race walking, proving that organ donation and organ transplant is no deterrent to leading a healthy, fit lifestyle.
India bagged 35 medals in World Transplant Games
India bagged a total of 35 medals in the world transplant games. Of these, 20 medals were in the recipient category and 15 in the donor category. In all, Indian participants bagged 16 gold medals, 9 silver medals and 10 bronze medals.
World Transplant Games federation promotes the physical success of transplant surgery and the need to raise public awareness to increase organ donation. “Through our various initiatives we aim to highlight the long term benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyle,” reads the WTG website. The one held in Perth from April 15th to April 21st was the 24th WTG. More than 3000 athletes participated.
The duo had won gold medals in World Transplant Games held in 2019 in the UK too. “Transplant surgery has changed many people and I am one of them. It’s been eight years and I am fully energetic. The game showcases the organ recipients and donors around the world who are beating odds to do what they are doing,” said Dr Arjun. “Sports is one of the biggest motivators for recovery and I have managed to keep my fitness level up for the last 8 years,” he said.
Dr Arjun adds that golf is the main sport but maintaining fitness with swimming and weights is necessary. “The World Transplant Games help bring people together. The collective motivation plays a big role in recovery. That’s the lesson I have learnt after competing in two games back-to-back,” he told Happiest Health.
Kidney transplant is not a barrier
According to Anil, who is the winner of two gold medals in the Living donor category and heads Gift of Life Adventure, donating a kidney does NOT come in your way of leading an athletic lifestyle. “That’s the only reason I participate; to join the other living donors to set this example,” Anil mentioned in his recent social media post. Anil completed the 5000 metre race walk in 34 minutes. Anil is also a co-founder of Rotary club of organ donation that works on creating awareness about organ donation.
Dr Arjun firmly believes that fitness helps both physical and mental well-being which is needed for a healthy life post-transplant.
Speaking to Happiest Health, Chaya Srivatsa, mother of Anil and Dr Arjun said that she was very proud of her sons. “When Arjun asked Anil for a kidney, he donated it willingly. Arjun has taken very good care of the organ gifted to him. He is very regular with his swimming, golf practice, diet and medication. Anil on the other hand has been working for the cause of organ donation,” said Chaya.
When her son Dr Arjun works meticulously to save the lives of many, Anil also plays a role in Arjun’s work, she adds. She also adds that all this has been made possible as her daughters-in-law have been supportive of their spouses.
Takeaways
- The World Transplant Games is held once every two years. India won a total of 35 medals in the global sports event held for organ donors and recipients.
- Dr Arjun Srivatsa is the recipient of a kidney donated by his brother Anil. They both participated in World Transplant Games and won medals.
- The objective of the World Transplant Games is to promote healthy lifestyle for organ recipients and donors and bring about awareness of organ donation.
One Response
Well written..