Indian Javelin Stars File Complaint Against Coach for Abuse

Neeraj Chopra and other Indian javelin stars have lodged a formal complaint against their coach, Naval Singh, alleging abuse and harassment. The athletes are calling for immediate action from the Sports Authority of India, emphasizing the need for a respectful and professional environment in sports. Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, has also shared his experiences of receiving abusive messages from Singh, particularly during competition times. This situation raises serious concerns about athlete welfare and the conduct of coaches in Indian sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 20:23 IST

Allegations Against Coach Naval Singh

Neeraj Chopra, along with several other prominent Indian javelin throwers, has formally accused their coach, Naval Singh, of abusive behavior and harassment, submitting a complaint to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). This group of elite athletes, which includes two-time Paralympic gold medalist Sumit Antil, has urged SAI to take appropriate action against Singh. According to a report from a news outlet, the complaint was lodged on April 10, with discussions also held with officials from SAI and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

Neeraj expressed that he has faced verbal abuse directed not only at himself but also at his family. He emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "I fully support my fellow athletes and demand strict measures in this situation. As an athlete who has proudly represented India on various platforms, I believe that sports should embody dignity, discipline, and respect. The remarks made by coach Naval Singh are not only inappropriate but also disgraceful." He further added, "The abusive language aimed at me, my family, and my fellow athletes crosses all boundaries of professionalism and basic human decency. It is shocking and disappointing to hear such derogatory comments. Such behavior from someone in a position of authority is unacceptable and tarnishes the reputation of the entire sporting system. I call upon the Sports Authority of India to act swiftly and decisively. There must be clear repercussions for such conduct, along with strict accountability, to ensure that no athlete has to face this kind of treatment again. Our athletes deserve a professional environment that respects them and protects them from misconduct. I expect this matter to be treated with the seriousness it warrants," Chopra stated in his letter.

Claims of Alcohol-Induced Abuse

Sumit Antil, who initiated the complaint, alleged that Naval Singh often consumes alcohol and sends abusive voice messages to him and other athletes. He mentioned that while this issue had been raised previously, he felt compelled to escalate it now. Antil stated, "He gets drunk and sends random recordings abusing us and involving our families. His behavior tends to worsen as competitions approach. I spoke to SAI Deputy Director Arunlal and the CEO of TOPS, Nash Johal. They initially sought to resolve the issue amicably, but this time I refused to let it slide. I may be the first to speak out, but many others have silently endured this treatment."

Background on Naval Singh

Naval Singh is a Dronacharya Award-winning coach and is currently training Sachin Yadav, who secured fourth place in the 2025 Athletics World Championships.