National Organ Transplant Games2026 set World Record in Talkatora Indoor Stadium
New Delhi: The National Organ Transplant Games began on a high note in Talkatora Indoor Stadium on November 1, marked by organ donation pledges from over 500 students. The Zen-G being in the vanguard of organ donation campaign, hope floats about narrowing of the wide gap between the demand for organs and the number of available donors in India. 570 transplant recipients and donors set a world record for the largest Tadasana congregation, receiving a certificate from the World Book of Records.
The National Organ Transplant Games (NOTG) 2026 officially commenced featuring a historic World Record attempt and the grand inauguration led by C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Hon’ble Vice-President of India as Chief Guest. The opening ceremony brought together transplant recipients, healthcare and dignitaries including Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao (Hon’ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare), Ms. Bansuri Swaraj (Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha), Shri Dr. D.S. Rana (Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Trust Society & Chief Patron), Dr. A.K. Bhalla (Organising Chairman), Dr. Anil Kumar (Director, NOTTO), and Dr. Manish Malik (Organising Secretary).
India’s transplant ecosystem has seen unprecedented growth. In 2025, the country achieved a record 20,138 organ transplants—a four-fold increase from 2013—ranking India third globally. The nation also recorded its highest-ever count of 1,235 deceased organ donors in a single year.
The Games celebrate the resilience of transplant recipients, recognize the dedication of medical professionals, and honor the extraordinary selflessness of organ donors and their families. Addressing the gathering, the Vice President of India commended the participants and stressed that transplantation provides a vital second chance at life.
The ceremony featured inspiring cultural and sporting highlights, including:
- A poetry recital by transplant recipient Ms. Aayushi Rakhecha and dance performances by young transplant survivors.
- The unveiling of a portrait of the Vice President drawn by transplant recipient Ms. Ayushi Garg.
- The release of the “Zindagi Dobara” 2027 Calendar, honoring the 15 medalists of the World Transplant Games 2025 held in Dresden, Germany.
- Exhibition matches in Kabaddi, Badminton, and Table Tennis.
- The grand entry of the NOTG 2026 Torch carried by Dr. Manish Malik.
Supported by NOTTO’s vast network across 1,250 hospitals and digital advancements like the national organ donation pledge portal (surpassing 5.8 lakh verified registrations) and e-Pratyaropan, India continues to strengthen its transplant ecosystem. Government schemes like Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras ensure equitable access to care.
The Games celebrate the life-transforming power of modern medicine, paying deep gratitude to organ donors and honoring medical professionals who make second chances at life possible.
