Women archer accuses coach of harassment, complains to SAI

Sanjeev Singh refutes allegations

Jamshedpur, Sep 30: A senior female archer has leveled allegations of harassment against High Performance Centre Director and Dronacharya Awardee international Archery coach Sanjeev Singh.

According to reports, few trainees at the SAI’s (Sports Authority of India) National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Sonipat reported late for the morning training session on September 24. As punishment, they were asked by Singh to run five rounds of the ground there.

The woman archer alleged that she was asked to run on despite her informing the coaches and support staff that she was in the midst of her menstrual cycle and in spite of the information, her plea was ignored andshe was forced to run causing her physical discomfort and humiliation.

The athlete concerned put in a complaint to the effect to SAI and Archery Association of India (AAI). The apex sports body of India has sought Sanjeev Singh’s response to the allegation of harassment leveled against him by the archer. SAI has started an investigation by forming a three member committee and has sought reply from the accused officer.

Sanjeev Singh refuted the allegation of the female archer and said, “I asked the archer to take rest if she felt unwell.  Just to comfort her I told her to relax if she was feeling out of sorts.” He declined to comment further.

It may be noted that archers from across the country practice at SAI’s National Center of Excellence. The complainant said that players were practicing in the ground on September 24 and she informed the coaches and support staff that she was in the midst of her menstrual cycle as she arrived late for the practice. High Performance Centre Director Sanjeev Singh was also present in the ground. The female athlete informed that Sanjeev Singh lashed out at her, harassed her for arriving late and mentally tortured her.

It is worth mentioning that Sanjeev Singh had earlier held the post of Chief of Sports Department, Tata Steel. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Tata Archery Academy. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1992 and Dronacharya Award in 2009.