NEW DELHI: India's Swapna Barman, a former Asian Games gold medallist in heptathlon, on Monday made startling allegations of losing her chance at a medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games to a transgender athlete. Barman, who won gold at the 2018 Jakarta Games, took to social media to voice her concerns and appeal for support.
In the Hangzhou Asian Games, Swapna Barman finished fourth in the heptathlon event, missing out on the bronze medal by a razor-thin margin of just four points. The bronze was clinched by her compatriot, Nandini Agasara, who amassed a total of 5712 points, while Swapna garnered 5708 points.
Taking to the social media platform 'X' following the event, Swapna Barman posted a statement that has stirred significant debate.
"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," Swapna posted. She also used a hashtag - #protestforfairplay, along with the post.
Swapna later deleted her X, previously known as Twitter, post, but the screenshot of her post remained widely shared on the social media platforms.
The heptathlon event at the Hangzhou Asian Games was won by China's Ninali Zheng, who secured gold with an impressive total of 6149 points. Uzbekistan's Ekaterina Voronina earned the silver medal with 6056 points.
