Sumit Antil slams SAI’s ‘irresponsible' response to harassment allegations against coach Naval Singh

Para-Javelin thrower Sunit Antil has criticised the Sports Authority of India (SAI) over its unjust response to their complaint against coach Naval Singh. The two-time Paralympic gold medalist calls for accountability in the situation following the department's impetuous response to the allegations against the coach.

As reported earlier, top Indian athletes like Sumit Antil, Neeraj Chopra and others have lodged a complaint with SAI, accusing Dronacharya award-winning coach Naval Singh of mental harassment and repetitive use of abusive language. They submitted the complaint to the national sporting body on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Antil criticises SAI's response to their complaint

Antil criticised SAI’s response to the allegations, calling their statement irresponsible after they claimed that coach Naval was not their employee. The para-javelin athlete challenged their response, questioning how the coach is conducting training sessions in official training premises and receiving financial support through NSF funds.

Antil further argued that they must take responsibility for the conduct of the person involved if they are providing the platform and funds.

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"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 told PTI.

Antil levels huge allegations against Naval

According to The Bridge, Antil has claimed that coach Naval abuses the athletes by sending random recordings while in an intoxicated state and also involves their families. He further condemned the use of disrespectful remarks towards the athletes' mothers and top athletes such as Chopra, Navdeep Singh and Sandeep Chaudhary.

Chopra, the two-time Olympic medal-winning athlete, has sought SAI's intervention and action against coach Naval's "disgraceful" behaviour.

The incident has sparked a major conversation over the lack of accountability in India's sports governance. As athletes speak out, it remains to be seen whether Naval will face any consequences for his alleged actions.