New Delhi: Two-time Paralympics champion Sumit Antil has accused his former coach Naval Singh of verbal abuse and mental harassment. Antil has been supported by two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, who also claims to have experienced abusive language from the coach.
Both athletes have written to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) demanding strict action against the coach, who is a Dronacharya awardee. Singh is no longer Antil's coach but continues to train several athletes, including India's rising javelin star Sachin Yadav.
Sumit wrote in his complaint that he has experienced repeated instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, and mental harassment under Singh's conduct. He also claims that the coach has made derogatory remarks about his mother and other esteemed athletes.
Neeraj Chopra, who is training in Turkey, has also sent a letter to SAI supporting Sumit and demanding strict action. He claims that the coach has used abusive language against him and his family.
SAI has stated that Singh is not an SAI employee and is training another leading athlete as part of the National Coaching Camp organised by Athletics Federation of India. The matter is being taken up with the federation.
Antil has called for an inquiry into the matter and requested that the coach be banned from the system.
