Some of India’s most decorated track-and-field athletes have formally accused javelin coach Naval Singh of verbal abuse, mental harassment, and unprofessional conduct, filing a complaint with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on April 10 after earlier attempts at resolution fell through.
Paralympic champion Sumit Antil, two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, Arjuna awardee Sandeep Chaudhary, and Navdeep Singh are among those who have raised concerns about Singh’s behaviour including allegations that he sent abusive audio recordings while intoxicated and made derogatory remarks targeting athletes’ families.
Antil: “It Has Gone Beyond My Patience Level”
Antil was among the first to speak out. “I have always been a clean athlete and I don’t want to be part of any controversy. I tried to explain to him multiple times, but this is not the first time. It has gone beyond my patience level,” he told The Bridge.
He alleged Singh sent abusive recordings targeting athletes and their families, particularly around competition periods. “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 said.
In his written complaint copies of which has accessed Antil described sustained harassment. “Over a prolonged period, I have personally experienced repeated instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, and mental harassment under his conduct,” he wrote, adding that the language used was “extremely degrading” and targeted not just athletes but their families, including their mothers. He specifically named Neeraj Chopra, Navdeep Singh, and Sandeep Chaudhary as others subjected to such remarks.
Antil also alleged Singh appeared intoxicated during training sessions, creating what he described as an unsafe environment, and that threats involving misuse of authority had instilled fear among athletes. “This ongoing situation has severely affected my mental well-being, dignity and sense of safety,” he wrote, stating his willingness to submit audio evidence and cooperate fully with any investigation.
Before filing the formal complaint, Antil said he approached SAI Deputy Director Arunlal and TOPS CEO Nash Johal, but initial efforts at mediation did not lead to a resolution. “They initially tried to resolve the matter through a compromise, but this time I was not going to let it pass,” he said.
Chopra: “Disgraceful and Intolerable”
Neeraj Chopra backed the complaint in unequivocal terms. “I stand in full agreement with my fellow athletes and strongly demand strict action in this matter,” he wrote. “The statements made by coach Naval Singh are not just inappropriate, they are disgraceful.”
Chopra called the conduct a violation of basic professional and human standards. “Abusive language directed at me, my family, and fellow athletes cross every boundary of professionalism and basic human decency. This kind of behaviour from a person in authority is intolerable and brings disrepute to the sporting system as a whole,” he wrote.
He urged SAI to act decisively. “There must be clear consequences for such conduct, along with strict accountability, to ensure that no athlete has to endure this kind of behavior again. Our athletes deserve professionalism, respect, and a system that protects them, not one that tolerates misconduct.”
Other Athletes Add Their Voices
Sandeep Chaudhary formally corroborated the allegations. “I have also experienced instances of inappropriate, abusive and unprofessional behaviour from coach Naval Singh. On multiple occasions, the conduct has included derogatory language and offensive remarks, even extending towards my family, which is deeply unacceptable,” he wrote.
Navdeep Singh similarly confirmed facing “abusive, derogatory and highly inappropriate behaviour,” including remarks directed at his family. “This reflects a consistent pattern of misconduct that has negatively impacted the dignity, mental well-being and overall environment for athletes,” he said.
No Action Yet, Say Athletes
Despite the formal complaint and follow-ups, Antil said SAI has yet to provide a satisfactory response. “There’s no action taken even when Neeraj and I have complained. What would junior athletes have to go through?” he said, expressing shock that officials had not responded despite complaints from some of the country’s highest-profile sportspersons. Attempts to reach Naval Singh for comment were unsuccessful.
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