Four Armed Forces Medical Service (AFMS) Officers, Lt Colonel Sanjeev Malik, Major Anish George, Captain Stephen Sebastian, and Captain Dania James, have brought immense glory to India by winning a record 32 medals in the 43rd World Medical and Health Games held in Saint-Tropez, France, from June 16 to 23. This outstanding performance has not only made history but also showcased the exceptional skills and abilities of these medical professionals. The World Medical and Health Games, often referred to as the “Olympic Games for Health Professionals”, has been a premier global sporting event within the medical community since 1978.
The AFMS Officers’ impressive haul includes 19 Gold Medals, 9 Silver Medals, and 4 Bronze Medals, with each officer contributing significantly to the total tally. Lt Colonel Sanjeev Malik won five gold medals in the above 35 years male category, including events such as 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, Cross Country, and 4x100m Relay. Major Anish George, who represents the under 35 years male category, won a total of 12 medals, including four gold, six silver, and two bronze medals in events such as 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, Javelin, Shotput, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw, and Power Lifting.
Captain Stephen Sebastian, another under 35 years male category participant, clinched six gold medals in events like 100m, 200m, 400m, Long Jump, Hammer Throw, and 4x100m Relay. Captain Dania James, who represented the under 35 years female category, won a total of 9 medals, including four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals in events such as 100m, 200m, 4×100 Relay, Javelin, Discus Throw, Shot Put, Badminton Solo, Badminton Doubles, and Powerlifting. The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, Lt General Daljit Singh, congratulated the Officers for their spectacular performances and wished them more laurels in the future.
The World Medical and Health Games has evolved into the most prestigious global sporting event within the medical community, attracting over 2500 participants from more than 50 different nations annually. This exceptional achievement by the AFMS Officers is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and exceptional skills in their respective fields, making them a true inspiration to the medical community.