ACE Stourbridge tennis youngster Kristof Polgar has set his sights on centre court glory after playing a starring role at the British Transplant Games.

The eight-year-old, who underwent life-saving surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, took an impressive gold medal haul during the annual championship.

Now hoping to follow in the footsteps of his hero Novak Djokovic, the Blanford Mere Primary School pupil was born with a rare genetic disease called Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC) and could not walk for the first three years of his life.

But after undergoing a liver transplant five years ago, the determined youngster has gone from strength to strength and now receives tennis coaching three times a week at Tipton Sports Academy.

It is not just tennis that Kristof excels at, his performances at the British Transplant Games – which recently took place in Liverpool – saw him win gold medals in the mini tennis, badminton and table tennis events.

Cheered on at the event by his sister Fanni, father Csaba and mum Erika, Kristof said: “I really enjoy playing sports, especially tennis. My favourite player is Novak Djokovic and it’s my dream to be as good as him one day.

“It was great to be part of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital team at the British Transplant Games. I’d really like to compete at the world event in the future.”

Kristof’s efforts, along with 41 other young people aged between three and 17 who represented the hospital this year, helped secure the ‘Best Liver Team’ title and coveted ‘Best Children’s Team’ prize at the games for the 20th year running.

His mum Erika said: “It’s the fifth time Kristof has taken part in the games and it’s always quite emotional. Not only for us, but for all of the families who come together.

“It makes you remember the difficult times but it’s also fantastic to see children like Kristof enjoying sport. This is something that’s been made possible because a donor has given us the gift of life and it’s lovely the annual event celebrates this.”

The Birmingham Children’s Hospital team, which is funded by its charity, broke all records this year, amassing a total of 99 medals over the four days, including 36 golds.

Sara Clarke, senior specialist dietician at the hospital, has been part of the transplant games management team for 14 years and said this year’s event was the “best ever”.

She added: “We’re so proud of Kristof, along with everyone else that took part. They all supported each other and their fellow competitors too.

“All of the young people are true ambassadors for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and their donor families.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of our team members is truly inspirational. It’s why we passionately support the organ donation campaign because by joining it really does help transform lives.”

For more information about the national organ donation list, or to register to become a donor, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call Organ Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.