Bajrang Punia Calls for Immediate Investigation into Para-Athlete Harassment Allegations Against Coach Naval Singh
Synopsis
Olympic champion Bajrang Punia demands urgent action regarding serious harassment claims against javelin coach Naval Singh, emphasizing athletes should excel without dealing with abuse. The call for a thorough probe highlights the importance of safeguarding athletes' mental well-being.
Key Takeaways
Bajrang Punia demands a swift investigation into harassment claims.
Para-athletes, including Sumit Antil , have reported abusive behavior by coach Naval Singh .
The Paralympic Committee of India has acted swiftly to terminate Singh's contract.
This situation highlights the need for mental well-being protections in sports.
Transparency and accountability are crucial for athlete safety.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has urged for an investigation that is both swift and fair in response to claims of mental harassment and abusive behavior directed at para-athletes by javelin coach Naval Singh, who is a recipient of the Dronacharya Award. He emphasized, "Champions should be focusing on their performance, not dealing with abuse on the sidelines."
Among those raising concerns is Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic medallist and one of India's leading javelin throwers, who has formally reported instances of harassment and offensive language to the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Punia expressed on X, "The allegations of mental harassment made by para-athlete @sumit_javelin are profoundly serious. Our champions ought to be concentrating on their sport, not wrestling with systemic abuse. I implore officials to conduct a swift and unbiased investigation into this issue so the truth can emerge."
The complaint was lodged with SAI on April 10, after discussions with both SAI and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Antil was the first to bring the matter to SAI's attention.
Antil, who initiated the complaint, revealed he encountered numerous incidents of verbal abuse, humiliation, and mental distress at the hands of the coach, prompting him to take action.
A gold medallist from the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, Antil mentioned that he approached SAI's Deputy Director Arunlal and the CEO of TOPS (Nash Johal) regarding the coach's conduct. He alleged he faced repeated instances of verbal mistreatment and mental harassment from the veteran coach, ultimately leading him to formalize his complaints.
Despite previous approaches to SAI officials for intervention, no action was taken against coach Naval Singh until the recent allegations surfaced.
However, following the allegations, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has terminated Naval Singh’s contract with immediate effect.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the gravity of the allegations made by para-athletes against an esteemed coach. The call for a swift investigation is not only necessary but also reflects a broader concern for the mental health and safety of athletes in competitive environments. Upholding the integrity of sports requires addressing such serious issues promptly and transparently.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations have been made against coach Naval Singh?
Coach Naval Singh has been accused of mental harassment and using abusive language towards para-athletes, notably by javelin thrower Sumit Antil.
What has Bajrang Punia said regarding the situation?
Bajrang Punia has called for a 'swift and fair' investigation into the harassment allegations, emphasizing that champions should not be subjected to systemic abuse.
What actions have been taken by the Paralympic Committee of India?
The Paralympic Committee of India has terminated coach Naval Singh’s contract immediately following the harassment allegations.
When was the complaint submitted to SAI?
The written complaint was submitted to the Sports Authority of India on April 10.
Who raised the initial complaint against coach Naval Singh?
Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic medallist, was the first to raise the complaint against coach Naval Singh.
