Sore loser accuses competitor who beat her of being transgender at 2023 Asian Games

A heptathlete who came in fourth place in the 2023 Asian Games has accused the third-place bronze medal winner of being transgender and “stealing” the victory.

“I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to a transgender women [SIC] at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China,” wrote India’s Swapna Barman in a since-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I want my medal back as it is against the rules of our Athletics. Help me and support me please. #protestforfairplay.”

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Tristan Young has decided her victory will “stay a joyous thing.”

The winner of the bronze medal, Nandini Agasara, was also competing for India and beat Barman with 5712 points to her 5708.

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Nandini has denied that she’s trans. “I doubt the timing of her allegations,” she said, according to the Times of India, “It’s only when I won the bronze because of my sheer hard work and dedication that she came up with this transgender thing. This is so unfair. I thank the government and my federation for standing behind me and supporting me.”

Nandini also emphasized she would be speaking with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) about the controversy.

“I know what I am. Ask her to show proof. I will also show that I have won the medal for India. I only want to do well for the country,” she said, according to the Daily Mail.

“Now we have won, so people have started talking about it. I will take up this issue with AFI for sure. I wanted to enjoy the moment of winning the medal but going back to India as my mother is not well.”

Earlier this year, World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field and other running sports, banned transgender women who began transitioning after puberty from its women’s events. 

Despite all the controversy, Nandini’s victory has been celebrated in her own country.

“She is an absolute champion, personifying sporting spirit and excellence,” wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X. “Congrats to her and all the best for the endeavours ahead.”