Neeraj Chopra, Sumit Antil Back Complaint Against Coach
Indian athletics has been shaken by serious allegations of mental harassment and verbal abuse levelled against Dronacharya awardee coach Naval Singh, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra extending strong support to Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil.
According to reports, Antil has filed a formal complaint with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), accusing the coach of repeated misconduct that allegedly crossed professional boundaries. The allegations include claims of abusive behaviour and inappropriate remarks directed not just at the athletes, but also at their families.
Athletes Speak Out
Sumit Antil, one of India’s most decorated para-athletes, has alleged that the situation escalated over time, forcing him to seek official intervention. He claimed that the coach’s conduct created a disturbing and mentally stressful environment, raising concerns about athlete welfare within training setups.
Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medallist and one of the most respected figures in global athletics, has endorsed the complaint, adding weight to the allegations. The support from multiple athletes indicates that the issue may not be isolated, but reflective of a deeper concern within the system.
SAI Responds, Inquiry Underway
The Sports Authority of India has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and confirmed that the matter is being taken up with the relevant federation. However, officials clarified that Naval Singh is not directly employed by SAI, but is associated with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) as part of a national coaching camp.
The development has triggered calls for greater accountability and stricter oversight within India’s sports ecosystem, particularly in ensuring safe and professional training environments
Questions on Athlete Welfare
The controversy once again brings into focus the often-overlooked issue of athlete mental health and coach-athlete dynamics. While India continues to produce world-class champions, the systems supporting them are now under scrutiny.
For athletes who carry the nation’s hopes on global platforms, the expectation is not just excellence — but also dignity and respect.
As investigations progress, the spotlight remains firmly on how Indian sports authorities respond to allegations that challenge both credibility and trust within the system.
