New Delhi: Two-time Paralympic medalist Sumit Antill Serious allegations of mental harassment and abusive behavior have been leveled against javelin coach Naval Singh, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra also backing a complaint lodged with the Sports Authority of India (SAI).According to “The Bridge”, several elite Indian javelin throwers submitted a written complaint to SAI on April 10, accusing the coach of repeated abuse, mental harassment and inappropriate behavior. The complaint was also lodged by officials of the Paralympic Council of India (PCI).Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Antill, who initiated the complaint, described a pattern of behavior that he claimed crossed professional boundaries.“I have always been a clean athlete and I do not want to be part of any controversy. I have tried to explain to him many times but this is not the first time. This has exceeded my patience level,” Antill was quoted as saying.He further claimed the coach would send abusive audio messages. “He would get drunk and send random recordings of insults to us and drag our families into them. He tended to do that when a game was approaching,” Antill added.The report also claimed that emails submitted to SAI contained recordings of Singh hurling insults at Antil, Chopra, Nadeep Singh and even Pakistan Olympic medalist Arshad Nadeem.
Neeraj Chopra supports athletes and seeks action
Chopra stood by his fellow athletes, strongly condemned the alleged behavior and called for strict action.“I fully agree with my fellow athletes and urge strict action in this matter,” Chopra wrote in an email to authorities.“I write this as an athlete who has had the privilege of representing India at the national and international levels. Sports must uphold dignity, discipline and respect. Coach Narwal Singh’s remarks are not only inappropriate but also shameful,” he added.Antill revealed that he had earlier engaged SAI officials, including Deputy Commissioner Arunlal and TOPS CEO Nash Johal, and even participated in discussions aimed at resolving the issue. However, he rejected attempts at compromise, citing repeated incidents.“The language that was used was extremely insulting, not just to the athletes but to our families,” Antill said, adding that despite multiple complaints, no action had been taken against the coach.
