Cancer may change the course of life, but it does not have to define it. The journey through cancer is marked not only by treatment and recovery, but also by courage, resilience, emotional strength and the determination to continue living life to the fullest. Reinforcing this spirit, Manipal Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre organised the Cancer Warrior Sports Summit ~ Zindagi Zindabad, bringing together cancer warriors in a celebration of movement, camaraderie, confidence and the triumph of the human spirit.
The summit was designed to create an environment where cancer warriors could step away from the clinical aspects of treatment and experience the joy of participation, interaction and togetherness. Through a series of engaging games and activities including carrom, chess, ring toss, brain teasers, jumbled words, antakshari, music and masti, the event highlighted the importance of staying active, mentally engaged and socially connected through the cancer journey. More than a sporting gathering, the summit served as a reminder that life during and after cancer can continue to be filled with purpose, laughter, hope and meaningful experiences.
The event brought together senior specialists from Manipal Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, including Dr. Sourav Datta, Director, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, Broadway and Mukundpur Cluster, Kolkata; Dr. Neha Choudhary, Senior Consultant & HOD, Breast Surgery; Dr. Debanjali Datta, Associate Consultant, Radiation Oncology; Dr. Pooja Agarwal, Consultant, Breast Surgery; Dr. Rajib De, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant, Clinical Haematology, Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant; Dr. Arunava Roy, Senior Consultant & Head, Gynaecological Oncology; Dr. Harsh Dhar, Senior Consultant & HOD, Head & Neck Surgery; and Dr. Kinshuk Chatterjee, Consultant, Head & Neck Surgery. The doctors participated in the summit and interacted with the cancer warriors, reinforcing the importance of holistic care that addresses not only the disease, but also the physical, emotional and social wellness of patients.
The event was also graced by Mehtab Hossain, former Indian footballer and respected midfielder known for his leadership and contribution to Indian football; Anjali Saraogi, an accomplished Indian ultramarathon runner celebrated for her endurance, determination and inspiring sporting journey; and Anup Kumar Das, Indian cricketer distinguished for his contribution to the sporting community. Their presence added to the energy and spirit of the occasion, inspiring participants to embrace an active lifestyle, celebrate fitness and continue pursuing their passions at every stage of life.
Speaking about the initiative and the importance of looking beyond cancer treatment, Dr. Sourav Datta, Director, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, Broadway and Mukundpur Cluster, Kolkata, said, “Cancer care does not end with a treatment plan. Every cancer warrior goes through a journey that requires physical strength, emotional resilience and a strong support system. Initiatives such as the Cancer Warrior Sports Summit create a space where patients can reconnect with the joy of living, celebrate their progress and feel empowered beyond the identity of being a cancer patient. ‘Zindagi Zindabad’ is a celebration of that spirit of choosing to hope and celebrating life.”
Highlighting the importance of fitness and mobility during the cancer journey, Dr. Neha Choudhary, Senior Consultant & HOD, Breast Surgery, said, “For many cancer warriors, the journey can bring changes to the body, confidence and everyday routines. Staying physically active, within one’s individual medical limitations, can help rebuild confidence and encourage a sense of normalcy. Events like this remind us that fitness is not about performance or competition; it is about feeling strong, capable and connected with life.”
Speaking about the role of medical and emotional support during cancer treatment, Pooja Agarwal, Consultant, Breast Surgery, said, “Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding, and patients often carry fears and misconceptions along with the disease itself. We need to create a culture where talking about cancer is not associated with fear or stigma. A cancer warrior should be encouraged to remain engaged with family, work, community and activities that bring them happiness. Their journey is about much more than the disease, it is about preserving dignity, confidence and quality of life.”
Speaking about the need to break the stigma surrounding cancer, Dr. Arunava Roy, Senior Consultant & Head, Gynaecological Oncology, said, “Cancer continues to carry a social stigma that can sometimes be as difficult for patients as the physical challenges of treatment. We must move towards a more open and compassionate conversation around cancer, where patients feel comfortable seeking care, discussing their concerns and continuing to participate in everyday life. Celebrations like ‘Zindagi Zindabad’ help shift the narrative from fear and limitation to courage, confidence and possibility.”
Highlighting the importance of holistic survivorship and maintaining a positive outlook, Dr. Rajib De, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant, Clinical Haematology, Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, said, “For patients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, every milestone deserves to be recognised. Survivorship is not simply about completing treatment; it is about gradually reclaiming one’s routine, confidence and sense of self. Physical activity, meaningful social connections and emotional support can play an important role in helping cancer warriors regain confidence and embrace life beyond treatment. The enthusiasm and spirit displayed by the participants today was a powerful reminder that healing is also about finding strength, connection and joy in the journey together.”
The summit also reinforced the importance of patient-centric and multidisciplinary cancer care, where medical treatment is complemented by attention to physical fitness, emotional health, social support and overall quality of life. With specialists across medical oncology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, nuclear medicine, orthopaedic oncology, haematology, gynaecological oncology and head and neck surgery coming together, the initiative reflected the comprehensive approach to cancer care at Manipal Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre.
The Cancer Warrior Sports Summit ~ Zindagi Zindabad concluded on a note of positivity and celebration, leaving behind a powerful message — cancer may be a part of the journey, but it does not have to take away the joy of living. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cancer warriors not only through advanced clinical care, but also by encouraging confidence, resilience, physical well-being and a life beyond the disease.
