Transplant Athlete Ramdev Singh Appeals for Government Support After PM Modi's Spotlight
In Jaipur, Ramdev Singh, a kidney transplant recipient who has excelled at international transplant sports events, has raised concerns about the lack of financial support from the government for transplant games. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Singh's story to emphasize the importance of organ donation.
Lack of Federations and Financial Backing
Singh pointed out that unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, which have federations providing financial assistance to athletes, there is no such structure for transplant games. "Just like there are federations for Olympics and Paralympics, which provide financial support to the sports persons, there is no such federation for transplant games and sportspersons who play transplant games," he told TOI.
He explained that currently, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are the primary supporters, helping athletes travel abroad to participate in international transplant games. This reliance on NGOs, he argues, limits the growth and recognition of transplant sports in India.
Singh's Inspiring Journey and Achievements
A resident of Sikar and a technician in the electricity department at Salasar, Singh received a kidney transplant from his mother in 2012. He had previously suffered a serious stomach issue that led to kidney failure, taking about a year to fully recover. Despite this, he continued working as a technician at Jodhpur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited and pursued his passion for sports.
As an enthusiastic athlete, Singh has participated twice in the National Transplant Games held in Mumbai. In his first appearance, he won several medals, including gold and silver, and in the second, he secured two silver medals. His international debut came at the World Transplant Games in Dresden in 2025, where he represented India and achieved remarkable success:
- Gold medal in javelin throw
- Silver medal in long jump
- Bronze medals in ball throw and discus throw
Preparing for Future Events and Government Appeal
Singh is now preparing for the transplant games scheduled in Belgium in 2027. However, he emphasized the need for government backing to sustain such efforts. "Now I am preparing for transplant games in Belgium to be held in 2027. But, just like other transplant sportspersons, I am also appealing to the Centre to provide financial support and recognition to the transplant games," he stated.
His appeal underscores a broader issue within the sports community, where transplant athletes often struggle without institutional support. By bringing this to light, Singh hopes to catalyze change and ensure that transplant sports receive the same level of encouragement and resources as other athletic disciplines in India.
