“I am Kishor Suryavanshi, a resident of Jalgaon. In August 2007, my sister donated a kidney to me. Before transplant, I used to play cricket and basketball. After the transplant, there was a mindset that I should not play now. In fact, I loved to play. Still, I put a stop to my games. However, when I saw transplanted people playing, I got motivated. I started with running. Then I started playing badminton. I made changes in my life style. The sports made me a disciplined person. I also became health conscious.

In 2012, for the first time, I participated in the National Transplant Games organized by Narmada Kidney Foundation. All the players were transplants like me or organ donors. After that, I participated in these games almost every year. I won silver medal in 100 meters race in 2017 games. Then in 2018 and 2019, both years, I could win the gold medal in the same race. In 2020 and 2021, the Games were not organized due to Corona. But once again I won the gold medal in 2022 Games. I did a hat-trick of gold medals in the 100m race! I never miss National Transplant Games. I participate every year and win medals.

Meanwhile, in 2019, I got a chance to represent India in the Word Transplant Games held at New Castle, UK. I participated in 100 meters race and Badminton in the games. I learned a lot by watching the game of transplanted players from all over the world. Again in 2023, I represented India in Word Transplant Games held at Perth, Australia. In both the Transplant Games I could not win any medals. But I continued trying. And I succeeded! In World Transplant Games 2025 at Dresden, Germany I won a Bronze Medal in 5 Km Racewalk category.  It was like ‘a dream come true!’

In addition to sports, I am also fond of music. I play guitar and sing. I have sung songs in many programs and also on radio. Now I am working with Radio station 94.3 My FM, Jalgaon. During April, 2025, I made a World Record of longest singing performed by a Kidney Transplant Recipient by singing continuously for 10 hours!

There are many misconceptions in the society regarding organ donation and transplant. It is normally said that, after kidney transplant, one has to take complete rest & will have to live mainly on medication. I try to create awareness about this. There are many people like me who after transplant are happy, healthy and living normal life. According to me, transplant has given me one more chance to go ahead and enjoy the life to the fullest!”

—- By Kishor Suryawanshi, Jalgaon, Maharashtra.