Paralympic Committee of India terminates Naval Singh after abuse allegations

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) terminated the services of Dronacharya awardee Naval Singh on Saturday.

This development comes just a day after The Bridge reported that India's top javelin throwers' plea to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), alleging mental harassment by Naval Singh, had been brushed under the carpet.

The PCI held an emergency meeting on Saturday, led by President Devendra Jhajharia, who is also a former para javelin thrower.

"The Committee unanimously decided to terminate the services of coach Naval Singh with immediate effect and remove him from all Paralympic Committee activities," said PCI in a statement.

Earlier in an email, which is in possession of The Bridge, PCI Secretary General Jayawant G H, wrote to the javelin throwers: "In this context, we would like to state clearly that since 2025, Mr. Naval Singh is not designated as the Coach of Para Athletics by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Consequently, his name has not been recommended by PCI for any Championship."

"The Paralympic Committee of India has taken this matter with the utmost seriousness. PCI is committed toward protecting the interests of its para athletes, including their dignity, respect, and mental well-being," he added.

Sumit Antil had initiated the written complaint against Naval Singh, his former coach on April 10. Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and star para-athletes Navdeep Singh and Sandeep Chaudhary had followed the suit.