PCI Dismisses Dronacharya Awardee Coach Naval Singh Amid Harassment Claims
Synopsis
The Paralympic Committee of India has taken decisive action against coach Naval Singh, following serious harassment allegations from Paralympic champion Sumit Antil. This incident has sparked significant discussions around athlete welfare and coaching ethics.
Key Takeaways
Naval Singh dismissed from PCI over harassment claims.
Sumit Antil reported instances of verbal abuse .
Support from Neeraj Chopra highlights the severity of the issue.
Formal complaint submitted to SAI on April 10.
Need for athlete protection emphasized in coaching ethics.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has terminated the services of Dronacharya award-winning coach Naval Singh following harassment accusations levied by Paralympic champion Sumit Antil, as confirmed by PCI President Devendra Jhajharia to IANS on Sunday.
Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic medallist, has alleged that coach Naval Singh subjected him to harassment and utilized offensive language. This complaint was also lodged with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and he received backing from Neeraj Chopra, the gold medallist javelin thrower from the Tokyo Olympics.
Jhajharia affirmed to IANS on Sunday that the board has resolved to dismiss Singh.
Top athletes from the country submitted a formal complaint to SAI, detailing instances of mental harassment and persistent verbal abuse by Singh, who has been coaching Sachin Yadav, a fourth-place finisher at the 2025 World Championships, outpacing Neeraj.
The complaint was presented to SAI on April 10 after discussions were held with officials from both SAI and PCI.
Antil, who claimed gold at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, was the first to bring the matter to SAI's attention. He stated that he approached SAI Deputy Director Arunlal and Nash Johal, the CEO of TOPS, regarding the coach's conduct. Although SAI officials attempted to mediate, Antil rejected the conciliatory offer.
He recounted numerous instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, and mental distress caused by the seasoned coach, prompting him to seek action.
Naval Singh, a recipient of the Dronacharya award in 2015, has been instrumental in training national javelin athletes and nurturing young coaches.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the broader implications of such allegations. The welfare of athletes must be prioritized, fostering an environment of trust and respect. This situation serves as a reminder of the accountability required in coaching and the protection of athletes' rights.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Naval Singh's dismissal?
Naval Singh was dismissed due to harassment allegations made by Paralympic champion Sumit Antil, who detailed instances of verbal abuse and mental distress.
Who supported Sumit Antil in his allegations?
Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, expressed support for Sumit Antil regarding the allegations against coach Naval Singh.
What actions did Sumit Antil take?
Sumit Antil filed a formal complaint with the Sports Authority of India and rejected mediation efforts aimed at resolving the issue.
What is the Dronacharya award?
The Dronacharya award is a prestigious honor in India awarded to coaches for their exceptional contributions to sports.
What role did Naval Singh play in Indian athletics?
Naval Singh has been instrumental in training national-level javelin athletes and mentoring young coaches.
