Explained | Why Neeraj Chopra, Sumit Antil and other top athletes have filed complaint against javelin coach Naval Singh

The Indian sporting community was left shaken to its core when allegations of harassment by a well-known javelin coach came to light. Para athlete Sumit Antil and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, among a few other top athletes, have alleged mental harassment and continuous use of foul language by coach Naval Singh.

The athletes had submitted a formal complaint to the Sports Authority of India on April 10. Officials of the Paralympic Committee of India were also involved in the matter. Antil has also received backing from Chopra on the situation.

What actually happened?

On Friday, Antil levelled serious allegations against Dronacharya awardee coach Naval, who is currently training Sachin Yadav. The Para javelin athlete has alleged mental harassment and excessive use of abusive language by the coach while being in an intoxicated state.

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"I have always been a clean athlete, and I don’t want to be part of any controversy. I tried to explain to him (coach Naval Singh) multiple times, but this is not the first time. It has gone beyond my patience level.

"He gets drunk and sends random recordings abusing us and dragging our families in it. He tends to behave this way when competitions approach," Antil told The Bridge.

In the final e-mail accessed by the source, Antil said that he had experienced repetitive instances of verbal abuse and mental harassment by coach Naval. He further claimed that he made degrading remarks towards the athletes, their families and other athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Navdeep Singh, Sandeep Chaudhary and Pakistan javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem.

"Over a prolonged period, I have personally experienced repeated instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, and mental harassment under his conduct. The language used has been extremely degrading, not only towards athletes but also towards our families, including deeply disrespectful remarks about our mothers and even about esteemed athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Navdeep Singh and Sandeep Chaudhary," he added.

Antil has also revealed that the situation has direly affected his mental health, safety and dignity as an athlete and feels distressed despite doing his best to represent the country.

Chopra offers support

Two-time Olympic medal-winning athlete Chopra has also spoken out on the situation and stands in support of his fellow athletes. He also said that Naval's statements were 'inappropriate' and 'disgraceful', and demands action on the matter.

“Abusive language directed at me, my family, and fellow athletes cross every boundary of professionalism and basic human decency. I am shocked and disappointed to hear such derogatory comments. This kind of behavior from a person in authority is intolerable and brings disrepute to the sporting system as a whole. I urge the Sports Authority of India to take immediate and decisive action," Chopra wrote, according to the report.

Arjuna Awardee Sandeep Chaudhary and reigning Paralympic champion Navdeep Singh have also expressed similar troubles, alleging similar conduct from the coach.

SAI's response stirs controversy

After the athletes spoke out against coach Naval, the Sports Authority of India acknowledged receiving a complaint from Antil alleging verbal abuse. They added that athletes like Chopra also supported the para athlete's complaint.

However, they have clarified that the coach is not a part of SAI and engaged with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for a national coaching camp.

"A complaint has been received from Sumit Antil, Paralympic Gold Medalist, alleging verbal abuse by Coach Mr Naval Singh. The complaint has also been supported by other athletes, including Neeraj Chopra.

The coach in question is not a SAI employee and is training another leading athlete as part of National Coaching Camp organised by AFI," a SAI source said, as quoted by India Today.

Antil fires back with strong remark

SAI's response stirred a new controversy as Antil criticised the national sports body, questioning how he is receiving NSF funds and being able to use training premises while not being an official employee. The para athlete also labelled their response as 'inappropriate' and demanded accountability.

"A very irresponsible statement has come from SAI, saying that he is not our employee. But he is giving training at your premises, and SAI and AFI are funding him through NSF funds. If you are doing everything, then how are you not responsible for this?" Antil said to PTI.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the lack of accountability in India’s sports governance. It has also united athletes across disciplines, with wrestler‑turned‑politician Vinesh Phogat criticising the authorities for their inaction, while the dignity of medal‑winning athletes remains at stake.

The controversy showed cracks and accountability-related issues in India's sporting system. The pressure will now mount on the authorities to act up as the athletes speaking out over the matter