Neeraj Yadav Dies By Suicide: Three-Time Asian Para Games Gold Medallist Was 42
Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav has died by suicide after allegedly consuming poison at his residence. The 42-year-old Indian para-athlete’s death was reported on Wednesday, with a postmortem examination underway at a Delhi hospital. The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be fully established.
S Satyanarayana, head coach of the Indian para-athletics team, confirmed Yadav’s death and expressed sorrow over the loss. He said he had received information about the incident but that the athlete’s body was still at the hospital.
Satyanarayana described the incident as unfortunate but said he could not speculate on the reasons behind Yadav’s death.
Neeraj Yadav Had Missed Asian Para Games Due To Doping Suspension
Yadav, who competed in the F55 category, 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 circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, and the precise reasons have not been established.
The para-athlete had enjoyed considerable success on the international stage, winning three gold medals at the Asian Para Games across two editions.
He claimed gold in the javelin throw at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta. At the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, he added two more gold medals, winning in both the javelin and discus events.
His achievements made him one of India’s notable competitors in para-athletics.
From Wheelchair Tennis To Para-Athletics
Yadav was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis when he was seven years old. He initially pursued wheelchair tennis before switching to para-athletics, where he went on to establish himself as an accomplished international competitor.
He participated in the F55 classification, which covers seated field events, including the shot put, discus and javelin. His performances at the Asian Para Games brought him recognition and contributed to India’s medal tally in para-athletics.
Yadav’s death has come as a setback for the Indian para-sports community. While reports have referred to the emotional stress he experienced after missing the recent competition, the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain unclear.
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