Swapna Barman made a startling revelation on Monday (October 2) morning, alleging that Nandini Agasara, the heptathlon medallist who won over her at the Asian Games on Sunday, should be disqualified from competing due to her being transgender.
Citing the latest World Athletics regulations, effective since March 31 of the current year, which state that athletes who have undergone 'male puberty' are not permitted to participate in female world rankings competitions, Swapna Barman raised concerns about Nandini's eligibility.
Swapna disclosed that she had previously filed complaints against Nandini, especially after the Telangana-based athlete scored 5700 points in her initial competition at the Inter-states before the Asian Games.
"I have previously lodged protests against her, and I was surprised to see her name on the Asian Games roster. Federation officials are urging me to file another protest, indicating that only doctors can verify her status. They recommend contacting NADA and WADA. I am pleading for assistance," Swapna told The Bridge.
Additionally, Swapna alleged that Nandini had left the Asian Games Village in response to her complaint, claiming that her mother was ill and anticipating a test. Swapna questioned who had arranged her tickets for departure.
Following the heptathlon final on Sunday night, Swapna was observed discreetly gesturing toward Nandini in the mixed zone, suggesting that reporters should focus on Nandini due to her noteworthy achievement. However, subsequent developments have unveiled a different narrative.
In the now-deleted Tweet, Barman claimed, "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."
In the Heptathlon even, 20-year-old Nandini Agasara clinched a bronze medal by saving her best performance for the last Heptathlon event. Agasara won the 800m race to secure her place on the podium. Swapna Barman came agonisingly close to a podium finish but finished in fourth place.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Asian Games 2023: Jyothi Yarraji lands silver medal for India in drama-filled and controversial women's 100m hurdles
Murali Sreeshankar bags India's first medal in long jump at Asian Games since 1978, cliches silver with 8.19m leap
Asian Games 2023: Medals galore for India in 1500m race, Harmilan, Ajay Kumar win silver; Jinson Johnson grabs bronze
Asian Games 2023: Tajinderpal Singh Toor grabs shot put gold with a monster throw as India continues gold rush
