Indian para-athlete Neeraj Yadav, a three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, has died by suicide after allegedly consuming poison at his residence. A postmortem examination was underway at a Delhi hospital on Wednesday, October 28, as the circumstances surrounding his death remained unclear.
S Satyanarayana, head coach of the Indian para-athletics team, confirmed the death and expressed sadness over the loss. He said he had received news of the incident, while Yadav’s body remained at the hospital.
The 42-year-old athlete competed in the F55 category and had reportedly been under emotional stress after missing the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya earlier this month because of a doping suspension. However, the exact circumstances and reasons behind his death have not been established.
Neeraj Yadav’s Asian Para Games Achievements
Yadav was among India’s accomplished para-athletes, winning three gold medals across two editions of the Asian Para Games.
He secured gold in the javelin throw at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta. At the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China, he won two more gold medals, in the javelin throw and discus throw.
His achievements made him a prominent name in Indian para-athletics and highlighted his success in international competition.
From Wheelchair Tennis to Para-Athletics
Yadav was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven. He initially pursued wheelchair tennis before switching to para-athletics, where he established himself as an international medallist.
He competed in the F55 classification, which covers seated field events such as the shot put, discus and javelin. His sporting journey included years of competition at the highest level of para-athletics.
Circumstances Surrounding His Death Remain Unclear
The reported doping suspension had prevented Yadav from participating in the recent Asian Para Games, according to the information available. However, no confirmed conclusion has been established linking the suspension to his death.
The postmortem examination was underway in Delhi, and further details about the incident were awaited.
Yadav’s death is a significant loss for Indian para-sport, given his record of three Asian Para Games gold medals and his contribution to the country’s international sporting achievements.
Official link: Sports Authority of India
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