Neeraj Chopra backs Paralympic hero Sumit Antil’s harassment complaint against coach Naval Singh

New Delhi: Double Paralympic medalist Sumit Antil has filed a formal grievance with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), accusing javelin coach Naval Singh of sustained mental harassment and the frequent use of derogatory language.

The allegations have received notable backing from Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who joined several other athletes in supporting the complaint against the veteran coach.

Federation and Agency Response

A source within the Sports Authority of India confirmed that the agency has received the documentation and is currently coordinating with the relevant athletic body to address the claims.

"A complaint has been received from Sumit Antil, Paralympic Gold Medalist, alleging verbal abuse by Coach Mr Naval Singh. The complaint has also been supported by other athletes, including Neeraj Chopra," a SAI representative stated.

The agency clarified that Singh is not a direct employee of the SAI. He is presently engaged by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to oversee training for a prominent athlete within the National Coaching Camp. Consequently, the SAI has deferred the primary disciplinary oversight to the federation.

"The coach in question is not an SAI employee and is training another leading athlete as part of the National Coaching Camp organised by AFI. The complaint has been received against the coach, and the matter is being duly taken up with the federation," the source added.

Calls for Accountability

The controversy has sparked a sharp response from the broader Indian sporting community. Vinesh Phogat, the decorated Indian wrestler, utilised social media to condemn the alleged treatment of Antil and criticised the silence of sports administrators regarding the welfare of elite competitors.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Phogat expressed her frustration over what she described as a recurring pattern of disrespect toward the nation's sporting icons.

"The dignity of those who bring medals for the country will be trampled every time, and the responsible people will remain silent as always. This is the new India, isn't it?" Phogat wrote.

The case has renewed the national dialogue concerning the power dynamics between coaches and athletes, as well as the efficacy of grievance redressal mechanisms within India's premier sporting institutions. Both the AFI and the SAI are expected to provide further updates as the investigation into Singh’s conduct proceeds.

With inputs from ANI