Asian Games 2023 heptathlon: Lost my medal to transgender: Swapna Barman makes shocking allegation against Nandini Agasara

Hangzhou: Athlete Swapna Barman levelled a shocking allegation against compatriot Nandini Agasara by saying that she lost her bronze medal to a transgender.

Though Swapna did not mention Nandini Agasara's name in her official X account, it was clear that she was targeting compatriot athlete who notched up a bronze in the women's heptathlon event.

"I 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," Swapna Xed.

Swapna was looking for silver medal after she began strongly in 100m hurdles, but did not continue the same performance in subsequent events like high jump, shot put, 200m race, long jump and Javelin throw.

Swapna failed to clear the 1.73m mark in the high jump and finished third last in the shot put, besides coming second last in the 200m race. She finished fourth with 5708 points.

Nandini finished with 5712 points which is her personal best and won the 800m race to finish third, ahead of Swapna. She also won the 200m race where she collected 936 points.

China's Ninali Zheng secured a gold medal with 6149 points while Uzbekistan's Ekterina Voronina bagged the silver medal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded Nandini after winning bronze in women's heptathlon.

"India celebrates the phenomenal Bronze Medal by Nandini Agasara in the Women's Heptathlon 800m event. She is an absolute champion, personifying sporting spirit and excellence. Congrats to her and all the best for the endeavours ahead," PM Modi Xed. (UNI)