Three-Time Asian Para Games Gold Medallist Neeraj Yadav Found Dead; Coach Says He Died by Suicide

Neeraj Yadav, who won three gold medals at the Asian Para Games and was one of India's veteran athletes, has died. He was 42. His body was found at his home. According to the preliminary investigation, the cause of death is reportedly consuming poison. Police have registered a case and are investigating.

Coach Confirms Death

National chief para-athletics coach S. Satyanarayana told the media that Neeraj died by suicide at his flat. He said it was very unfortunate and sad. The reason behind the step is not yet known.

Started Athletics Career in 2015

A native of Uttar Pradesh, Neeraj was one of India's well-known para athletes. He began his athletics career in 2015 after playing wheelchair tennis for about seven years. In 2016, he won a silver medal in the men's shot put and discus F55 events at the Fazza Grand Prix.

Won Gold at 2018 Asian Para Games

At the 2018 Asian Para Games, he won gold with an Asian record of 29.84 metres. In October 2023, Neeraj won two gold medals at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. He won the discus throw gold in the F54/55/56 class and the javelin gold in the men's F55 category. In 2022, he won gold with a new Indian national record at the Marrakech Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco.

Diagnosed With Polio at Age Seven

Neeraj was diagnosed with polio at the age of seven. Using a wheelchair, he went on to reach great heights in sport. He soon joined the Indian squad. The javelin F55 gold at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia gave him wide recognition. Neeraj had found success at the 2015 Delhi State Athletics Meet, where he won gold medals in shot put, javelin and discus events.