New Delhi: The death of three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav has plunged Indian para-athletics community into mourning.
The 42-year-old athlete, a prominent figure in the F55 category, was found dead at his flat in Delhi on Tuesday night. He is suspected to have consumed poison. The incident has sent ripples of grief and disbelief through the sporting community.
National chief para-athletics coach S. Satyanarayana confirmed the devastating news to Times of India, stating: “Yes, Neeraj has died by suicide at his flat. This is extremely unfortunate and tragic.”
The exact cause behind the extreme step is yet to be ascertained, he said. A post-mortem examination was underway at Delhi’s GTB Hospital on Wednesday, with fellow athletes, including Paralympic champion Sumit Antil and para-athlete Vipin Kasana, present to pay their respects.
Born on February 10, 1984, Yadav was a celebrated para-athlete, known for his prowess in javelin and discus throw events. His career was marked by significant achievements, including three gold medals at the Asian Para Games.
He clinched gold in javelin at the 2018 Jakarta edition and followed it up with two more gold medals in both javelin and discus at the 2022 (held in 2023) Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. He competed in the F55 category, which features seated field events.
Yadav’s journey in para-athletics began in 2015, following a seven-year stint in wheelchair tennis from 2005 to 2012. He was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven, a challenge he overcame to reach the pinnacle of para-sports.
Yadav was reportedly under considerable emotional stress in recent times. Sources suggested that this stress stemmed from missing the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, held from October 18 to 24, 2026, due to a doping suspension.
While not speculating on the exact reason, Satyanarayana expressed regret over the turn of events.
“I can’t speculate on the exact reason, but if you ask me, I would say a sportsperson should face the highs and lows with equanimity. It’s unfortunate that he chose this path and took the extreme step,” he stated.
His sample, collected in October 2023, had tested positive for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, and he had sought DNA testing of his sample.
