Neeraj Chopra, Javelin Stars, Accuse Coach Naval Singh Of Harassment: 'Gets Drunk, Abuses Our Families'

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 19:44 IST

Neeraj Chopra, Sumit Antil and other javelin stars accuse coach Naval Singh of abusive language and mental harassment, file formal complaint with Sports Authority of India.

Multiple elite Indian javelin throwers, including Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and Paralympic champion Sumit Antil, have alleged mental harassment and repeated use of abusive language by coach Naval Singh, prompting a formal complaint to the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The written complaint was submitted on April 10 after the issue was previously raised with officials from SAI and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). According to a report by The Bridge, the complaint is supported by emails and audio recordings in which Singh is allegedly heard verbally abusing athletes, including Chopra, Antil, Navdeep Singh and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem.

Antil, who first raised the matter, said repeated attempts to resolve the issue had failed. “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 said, as quoted in the report.

Alleging a pattern of misconduct, Antil added, “He gets drunk and sends random recordings abusing us and dragging our families in it. He tends to behave this way when competitions approach."

He also said that initial efforts by SAI officials, including Deputy Director Arunlal and TOPS CEO Nash Johal, to mediate the matter did not lead to a resolution. “I approached SAI Deputy Director Arunlal and the CEO of TOPS. They initially tried to resolve the matter through a compromise, but this time I was not going to let it pass," he said, adding, “I may be the first to speak up, but there are many who have silently endured this."

In his written complaint, Antil stated: “Over a prolonged period, I have personally experienced repeated instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, and mental harassment under his conduct." He further wrote, “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 also alleged that such behaviour created an unsafe environment, adding, “Additionally, threats related to misuse of authority, including false allegations, have caused fear among athletes."

Neeraj Chopra also accuses Naval Singh of ‘disgraceful’ comments

Chopra backed the complaint and called for strict action.

“I stand in full agreement with my fellow athletes and strongly demand strict action in this matter," he wrote in the statement.

He added, “I write this as an athlete who has had the honor of representing India at both national and international levels, and who firmly believes that sport must uphold dignity, discipline, and respect. The statements made by coach Naval Singh are not just inappropriate, they are disgraceful." He further said, “Abusive language directed at me, my family, and fellow athletes cross every boundary of professionalism and basic human decency."

Support also came from Sandeep Chaudhary and Navdeep Singh, who cited similar experiences of abusive and unprofessional conduct. Antil alleged that despite multiple complaints, no satisfactory response has been received from SAI.

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