Top Indian javelin athletes file formal complaints over alleged verbal abuse and a long-standing “culture of fear” within the national setup

In a major development reported on April 17, 2026, several of India's elite javelin throwers, including two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil, have filed formal complaints against Dronacharya Award-winning coach Naval Singh for alleged mental harassment and verbal abuse. Athletes allege that Coach Naval Singh has repeatedly used abusive language.

Sumit Antil stated that Singh often sends abusive voice recordings to athletes and their families while in an intoxicated state, particularly when competitions are approaching.Recordings in the possession of sports media allegedly capture Singh verbally abusing Neeraj Chopra, Sumit Antil, Navdeep Singh, and even Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem.The complaints mention "disgraceful" and "extremely degrading" remarks made about the athletes' mothers and families. A written complaint was submitted to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on April 10, 2026, and the matter has been raised with officials from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

 Neeraj Chopra expressed his full support for the complaint, stating that sport must uphold dignity and discipline, and calling Singh's alleged behavior "disgraceful".Sumit Antil reportedly rejected an attempt by SAI officials to reach a compromise, insisting on strict action. 

Previous Allegations and the "Culture of Fear”

The current outcry led by Neeraj Chopra and Sumit Antil has pulled back the curtain on years of alleged misconduct that went largely unaddressed by sporting authorities.Records show that India's first female Paralympic medallist, Deepa Malik, reported that Singh repeatedly disrupted her training before the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. She alleged severe mental harassment, including a court case initiated against her by one of his trainees.Multiple athletes have described a specific pattern where the coach allegedly becomes intoxicated and sends abusive voice notes specifically as major competitions approach, creating a toxic high-pressure environment.

The current evidence reportedly includes recordings of Singh verbally abusing not only Indian stars but also Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem.As a Dronacharya Award-winning coach (India's highest coaching honor), Singh held significant influence over national team selections and funding.Fear of Retaliation: Para-athletes