Multiple elite Indian javelin throwers, including Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil, have accused coach Naval Singh of mental harassment and repeated verbal abuse, prompting a formal complaint to the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The written complaint, submitted on April 10 and reportedly supported by emails and audio recordings, alleges that Singh used degrading language towards athletes and their families. Antil, who first raised the issue, said earlier attempts to resolve the matter through mediation by SAI officials and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) did not lead to a solution.
Several other athletes, including Navdeep Singh and Sandeep Chaudhary, have backed the complaint, while Chopra has publicly supported calls for strict action. SAI has acknowledged receiving the complaint and said the matter is being taken up with the concerned federation, clarifying that the coach is currently associated with the national camp through the Athletics Federation of India rather than being a direct SAI employee.
Athletes Allege Verbal Abuse
According to reports, Antil alleged that Singh repeatedly subjected athletes to verbal abuse and intimidation, sometimes sending abusive voice recordings targeting them and their families. “I have always been a clean athlete and I don’t want to be part of any controversy. I tried to explain to him multiple times, but this is not the first time. It has gone beyond my patience level,” Antil said while explaining why he eventually decided to file a formal complaint.
In interviews cited in media reports, Antil further alleged that the coach would occasionally send abusive recordings while intoxicated and that the messages often included derogatory remarks about athletes’ families. “He gets drunk and sends random recordings abusing us and dragging our families into it,” Antil said, adding that such behaviour frequently intensified ahead of major competitions.
In his written complaint, Antil described “repeated instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, and mental harassment” and said the language used by the coach crossed professional boundaries. He alleged that remarks were made not only about him but also about fellow athletes and their relatives, including disrespectful comments about mothers and family members.
The complaint reportedly includes audio recordings and email correspondence in which the coach is allegedly heard verbally abusing athletes including Chopra, Antil, Navdeep Singh, and even Pakistani Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem.
Chopra, one of India’s most celebrated athletes, has backed the complaint and urged authorities to take action. In a communication cited in reports, he said he stands in full agreement with fellow athletes and believes the matter should be investigated seriously, stressing that sport must uphold dignity, discipline, and respect.
Earlier Mediation Efforts Failed
Antil said he initially raised the issue with senior officials within SAI, including Deputy Director Arunlal and the CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Nash Johal, in the hope that the matter could be resolved informally. According to the athlete, officials attempted to mediate between the parties and encouraged a compromise. However, Antil said he eventually decided to escalate the complaint formally after the alleged misconduct continued.
The complaint was subsequently submitted in writing to SAI on April 10. In response, the authority confirmed that it had received the complaint and said the issue was being taken up with the relevant federation. Officials clarified that Singh is not directly employed by SAI but is associated with the national coaching camp through the Athletics Federation of India, where he is reportedly training another leading javelin athlete.
Other athletes, including Navdeep Singh and Sandeep Chaudhary, have also expressed support for the complaint, reportedly citing similar experiences of abusive language and unprofessional conduct. Antil stated that while he may have been the first to formally raise the issue, several athletes had endured similar behaviour silently for years.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from figures within the wider sporting community. Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat criticised the alleged harassment and questioned why athletes who bring international recognition to the country continue to face disrespect and inadequate support systems.
Some reports have also pointed to earlier allegations about the coach’s conduct, suggesting that concerns about his behaviour may have surfaced previously within India’s athletics ecosystem.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sport has the power to inspire millions, but the environment in which athletes train must reflect the same values of respect, dignity, and fairness that sport seeks to promote. Allegations of mental harassment within a coaching setup highlight the vulnerability athletes may face when power imbalances go unchecked. While the accusations against coach Naval Singh must be investigated through a fair and transparent process, the situation underscores the urgent need for stronger mechanisms that protect athletes’ mental well-being and ensure accountability in sporting institutions.
India’s athletes often carry the hopes of a nation on their shoulders. Ensuring they train in an environment free from intimidation, humiliation, or fear is not just a matter of professionalism it is a matter of basic human dignity. Sporting bodies must prioritise safe reporting channels, independent inquiries, and a culture where athletes feel empowered to speak up without risking their careers.
