Gadag Hosts First Transplant Games for 60 Kidney Donors and Recipients

A special sports meet titled 'Gadag Transplant Games 2026' was organised in Gadag for individuals who have undergone kidney transplantation as well as organ donors. As many as 60 recipients and donors from across Karnataka participated in the state's first such event.

Participants competed in events including short-distance races, race walking, shot put, discus throw, table tennis, and carrom. The meet was organised by the Sankalpa Kidney Care Foundation to boost the self-confidence of organ recipients and donors, motivating them to maintain active and healthy lifestyles while proving their physical and mental fitness.

The initiative was led by Dr Avinash Odugoudar, secretary of the foundation, who drew inspiration after attending the National Transplant Games in Delhi. Former minister and Gadag MLA HK Patil supported the team in organising the event and in establishing hi-tech operation theatres in Hulkoti. Gadag currently ranks third among Karnataka districts in organ donation.

Participants shared their experiences at the meet. Feroz Khan Hospeti, a kidney recipient from Gadag whose wife donated a kidney to him in May, was able to participate within three months of surgery. Rajesh P, a recipient from Davanagere, said the opportunity to compete alongside fellow recipients and donors helped him regain confidence.

Several organisations collaborated for the meet, including the Transplant and Uro Genital Society of Gadag, HK Patil Pratisthan, Sankalpa Hospital, Jeevanasarthakathe, and KH Patil Kidney Care, along with senior surgeons and foundation trustees Dr Pyarali Noorani, VP Ranganna Odugoudar, Dr Deepak Kurahatti, Dr Pavan Koliwad, and Dr Aravind K.

Anand Potnis of the foundation stated that the organisation was established to promote organ donation and fund transplantations for underprivileged patients, adding that more such sports events will be organised in the future.