Inderjit Bhalla

My father refused to let adversity that almost claimed his life restrain him from achieving sporting success at an international level. In 2004, my father suffered severe pneumonia and subsequent liver failure. He was far from the typical liver failure profile, leading an active life, dranking only modestly. Despite that, he was refused a transplant due to his age (he turned 66 during his ailment). After 6 months of suffering, stress, near death experiences and campaigning, this finally led to the transplant he needed. A prolonged state of incapacity and the surgery itself had debilitated him, yet by 2006 my father was back on his feet and playing the sport he loved - badminton! He claimed gold medals at the British Transplant Games. This was followed with international honours at the 2007 World Transplant Games (WTG) in Thailand. He continued to claim national & international titles, in squash as well as badminton. In 2009 he represented the UK at the WTG in Australia in three sports! For his endeavours, Transplant Sport UK announced he would receive the 2011 Cliff Lavin Trophy, awarded to an individual who despite adversity continues to strive for excellence. My father is now 73 yet plans to defend his WTG badminton title in Sweden this year. He's a great example of an individual who never gives up, maintains a positive outlook despite the hurdles placed in his path. For this reason he has gained respect and admiration from his fellow competitors and peers.'After 6 months of suffering...' should read as 'After 5 months of suffering...' 'now 73 yet plans to defend his WTG badminton title in Sweden...' should read as 'now 73, has successfully defended his WTG badminton title again in Sweden..'