Indian javelin throw has been hit by a fresh controversy after Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and Paralympic champion Sumit Antil lodged complaints against coach Naval Singh with the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
In a letter to SAI, Antil—who has won two Paralympic gold medals—alleged that the coach would drink and then send voice recordings using abusive language against athletes and their families. He also claimed the coach repeatedly caused mental distress and spoke disrespectfully about several sportspersons, including Chopra and Navdeep.
Antil said SAI had earlier attempted to resolve the issue through reconciliation, but he would not let the matter go this time, adding that others were also suffering in silence.
Chopra, who won Olympic gold in 2021 and silver in 2024, also wrote to SAI alleging that the coach spoke in an indecent and inhumane manner about him, his family and fellow athletes. He said the conduct had brought disrepute to the wider sports system and called for strict action.
The report also notes that former para shot put athlete Deepa Malik had earlier alleged that Naval Singh harassed her during preparations for the 2012 Paralympics and the 2014 Asian Games, after which she stopped training under him in 2014.
