'Lost My Medal to a Transgender Woman' Swapna Barman Alleges Compatriot Asian Games 2023 Bronze Medallist Nandini Agasara Ineligible to Compete in Heptathlon
Nandini Agasara clinched the Bronze medal in the women's Heptathlon 800m at Asian Games 2023 after finishing third above fourth-placed Swapna Barman. Nandini, 20, was competing in her first Asian Games. After losing the Bronze, Swapna launched an attack on X, formerly Twitter, and without naming Nandini said that she "lost her Asian Games Bronze medal to a transgender."
Swapna Barman has alleged that compatriot Nandini Agasara is ineligible to compete in heptathlon as she is a "transgender". Interestingly, Nandini clinched the Bronze medal in the women's Heptathlon 800m at Asian Games 2023 after finishing third above fourth-placed Swapna. Nandini, 20, was competing in her first Asian Games. After losing the Bronze, Swapna launched an attack on X, formerly Twitter, and without naming Nandini said that she "lost her Asian Games Bronze medal to a transgender." Nandini Agasara Wins Bronze Medal in Women’s Heptathlon at Asian Games 2023.
"I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to a transgender women at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. I want my medal back as it is against the rules of our Athletics. Help me and support me please," Swapna posted on X.
Swapna Barman's Tweet
However, as per a report by The Bridge, Swapna directly named Nandini and alleged that she is transgender, thus should be ineligible from competing. "If I do not get this medal which I deserved I shall expose everyone. Everyone can see the injustice that I am being subjected to," Swapna was quoted as saying by The Bridge. 'What A Sunday' Netizens Celebrate As Indian Contingent at Asian Games 2023 Win 15 Medals in A Day For the First Time Ever in Competition's History.
"Transgender athletes, who have testosterone levels above 2.5, cannot compete in events over 200 metres. No girl can come up in heptathlon so fast. I have trained for 13 years in this, it is impossible that she trains for four months and gets to this level," Swapna added.
Swapna also claimed that despite protesting earlier against her she was surprised to see Nandini's name in the Asian Games 2023 list. "I have protested earlier against her, I was surprised to see her name in the Asian Games list. Federation officials are asking me to protest again, they are saying that they are not doctors, only doctors can verify. They are asking me to go to NADA, WADA. I ask for help with folded hands," Swapna said.
Swapna further alleged that Nandini 'fled' the Asian Games Village as soon as she lodged a complaint against her. "We were supposed to leave Hangzhou on the 6th of October. She has fled after my complaint saying her mother is sick because she knew there would be a test. Who got her the tickets?" she added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2023 10:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).