Panaji: Goan transplant athlete Umesh N. Dhavalikar won four gold and a silver medal for India at the 6th Hong Kong Transplant and Dialysis Games last week.Organised by the Hong Kong Transplant Sports Association, the event witnessed participation of 473 transplant recipients and dialysis athletes from six countries — Hong Kong, India, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.Umesh was one of the four athletes representing India. He clinched gold medals in 100m, 200m, 3km race walk and ball throw events, besides a silver medal in ball throw.The Games provide a platform for individuals who have undergone heart, liver, lung, kidney, bone marrow and cornea transplants, as well as dialysis patients, to demonstrate their sporting abilities, determination and resilience. Umesh was the only athlete from Goa representing India at the international event.Umesh’s achievement is particularly inspiring given his personal journey.In 2015, he underwent a liver transplant after suffering acute liver failure following a sudden onset of Hepatitis A. His life was saved through the generous donation of a portion of her liver by his sister, Sangeeta Nayak.Following his transplant, Umesh dedicated himself to physical fitness and has since participated in transplant sporting events at various national and international venues, inspiring fellow transplant recipients and promoting the message that organ transplantation can offer a renewed lease of life.
