Asian Games 2023: Swapna Barman alleges she lost bronze medal to transgender athlete, deletes tweet later

The athlete finished fourth in women's heptathlon at the ongoing Asian Games 2023.

In a shocking turn of events, Swapna Barman, the Indian heptathlete who finished fourth at the Asian Games 2023 made an explosive allegation on Monday morning (October 1st) by calling into question the eligibility of Nandini Agasara, who clinched bronze medal on Sunday night. Swapna claimed that Nandini is transgender and should be disqualified from competing in female competitions citing the latest World Athletics regulations.

In a peculiar twist, after the heptathlon final on Sunday night (October 1st), Swapna Barman was seen gesturing towards Nandini while walking away from the mixed zone. At the time, though it appeared as though she was urging reporters to focus on Nandini's exceptional achievement. However, it became evident later on that this gesture was tied to the brewing controversy.

On Monday, Swapna Barman took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to a transgender woman 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." She has since deleted the post.

According to the updated World Athletics regulations effective since March 31st, any athlete who has undergone what the organization terms "male puberty" is prohibited from participating in female world ranking competitions. Swapna Barman raised concerns about Nandini's eligibility also hinting that this might not be the first time she's lodged complaints against her.

Barman, who clinched the gold medal in Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta, came fourth in this edition of the continental showpiece. She missed the podium by just four points having finished with a total of 5708 points to Nandini's 5712 points. China's Ninali Zheng clinched the gold medal, while Ekaterina Voronina took the silver.