New Delhi: Two-time Paralympic medalist The Summit Antilles Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has backed a complaint lodged with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) against javelin coach Nawal Singh for serious allegations of mental harassment and abuse.According to a report in The Bridge, several elite Indian javelin throwers submitted a written complaint to the SAI on April 10, alleging repeated verbal abuse, mental harassment and inappropriate behavior by the coach. A complaint was also lodged with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) officials.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Antill, who initiated the complaint, described a pattern of behavior that he claims exceeded professional boundaries.“I’ve always been a clean athlete, and I don’t want to be a part of any controversy. I’ve tried to explain it multiple times, but it’s not the first time. It’s beyond my patience level,” Intel said, as reported.They further alleged that the coach would send abusive audio messages. Intel added, “He gets drunk and sends out random recordings and drags our families into it. He behaves like that when the competition is close.”The report also claimed that the emails sent to SAI contained audio recordings in which Singh was allegedly heard abusing Intel, Chopra, Navdeep Singh and even Pakistan’s Olympic medalist Arshad Nadeem.
Neeraj Chopra backs players, calls for action
Supporting his fellow players, Chopra strongly condemned the alleged conduct and called for strict action.“I fully agree with my fellow players and strongly demand strict action in this matter,” Chopra wrote in his email to the authorities.“I am writing this as a player who has had the privilege of representing India nationally and internationally. Sports must uphold dignity, discipline and respect. Coach Nawal Singh’s statements are not just inappropriate; they are shameful,” he added.Intel disclosed that it had earlier contacted SAI officials, including Deputy Director Arun Lal and TOPS CEO Nash Johal, and had even participated in discussions aimed at resolving the issue. However, he rejected attempts at compromise, citing repeated incidents.“The language used has been extremely insulting, not only to the players but also to our families,” Intel said, adding that despite multiple complaints, no action has yet been taken against the coach.
