Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav has allegedly died by suicide at the age of 42, Satyanarayana, head coach of the Indian para-athletics team, has confirmed. "Neeraj has died by suicide. It is very unfortunate that such a thing has happened," Satyanarayana said. A post-mortem examination was underway at Delhi's GTB Hospital on Wednesday.
According to several media reports, Yadav is suspected to have consumed poison at his residence. However, the circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be established. The 42-year-old para-athlete had reportedly been under emotional distress after missing out on the 2026 Para Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, due to a doping suspension.
In late 2023, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) provisionally suspended Yadav after his out-of-competition sample tested positive for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. The suspension dealt a setback to his career and prevented him from competing at the continental event.
Yadav was one of India's most accomplished para-athletes, having won three gold medals at the Asian Para Games. He claimed the javelin throw title at the 2018 edition in Jakarta before winning gold medals in both the javelin throw and discus throw at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou. He was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven. He initially took up wheelchair tennis before switching to para-athletics, where he went on to establish himself on the international stage.
The F55 category covers seated field events, including the shot put, discus throw and javelin throw.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts, support is available. In India, you can call Tele-MANAS at 14416, available 24/7, for mental health support.
(With inputs from PTI)