NEW DELHI – In a startling revelation, India’s former Asian Games gold medalist in heptathlon, Swapna Barman, has come forward with allegations of losing her shot at a medal during the recent Hangzhou Asian Games due to the participation of a transgender athlete. Barman, who had secured gold at the 2018 Jakarta Games, took to social media to voice her concerns and seek support for her cause.
At the Hangzhou Asian Games, Swapna Barman secured the fourth position in the heptathlon event, missing the bronze medal by a mere four points. The bronze, instead, was clinched by her compatriot, Nandini Agasara, who amassed a total of 5712 points, while Swapna collected 5708 points.
Taking to the social media platform ‘X’ in the aftermath of the event, Swapna Barman posted a statement that has ignited a significant debate.
“I have been deprived of my Asian Games bronze medal due to the participation of a transgender woman in the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. I fervently request the reinstatement of my medal, as it is in violation of our Athletics regulations. I implore everyone to extend their support to me,” Swapna posted, accompanying her statement with the hashtag #protestforfairplay.
It is important to note that the heptathlon event at the Hangzhou Asian Games was secured by China’s Ninali Zheng, who exhibited a stellar performance, accumulating an impressive total of 6149 points. Uzbekistan’s Ekaterina Voronina earned the silver medal with 6056 points.
This revelation by Swapna Barman has ignited a heated discussion surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports and the implications it may have on medal standings and fairness in sports competitions.
