Neeraj Yadav Death: What we know about the Asian Para Games Champion’s final days

Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav has reportedly died by suicide at his residence in Delhi. The 42-year-old para-athlete, who represented India in javelin and discus throw, was found dead on Tuesday night, October 27. Initial reports suggest he may have consumed a poisonous substance. A postmortem examination was underway at Delhi’s Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital on Wednesday to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

Yadav’s death has shocked India’s para-athletics community. The athlete had reportedly been under emotional stress after missing the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya earlier this month following a doping suspension. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, and authorities have not established whether the suspension had any connection to the incident.

Indian para-athletics coach confirms Neeraj Yadav’s death

S Satyanarayana, head coach of the Indian para-athletics team, confirmed the development.

“Neeraj has died by suicide. It is very unfortunate that such a thing has happened,” Satyanarayana said.

The coach confirmed that Yadav’s body remained at the hospital when he received information about the incident.

Speaking about the possible circumstances, Satyanarayana said he could not identify the reason behind the athlete’s death.

“I can’t speculate 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 far and take the extreme step.”

Who was Neeraj Yadav? Three Asian Para Games gold medals

Neeraj Yadav was among India’s accomplished para-athletes, with three gold medals at the Asian Para Games.

He won his first gold in the men’s F55 javelin throw at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta.

At the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, held in 2023, he secured two more gold medals, winning both javelin and discus throw events.

In Hangzhou, Yadav recorded a javelin throw of 33.69 metres, setting a Games record.

From wheelchair tennis to international athletics

Yadav was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at seven.

He initially pursued wheelchair tennis before switching to para-athletics and competing internationally.

He participated in the F55 classification, which covers seated throwing events for athletes with certain physical impairments.

His sporting career later faced a setback following a doping suspension, which prevented him from competing at the 2026 Asian Para Games.

The investigation into his death is ongoing. Further details are expected following the postmortem examination and official findings.

(With inputs from PTI)