Indian para-athletics has been left shocked following the reported death of Neeraj Yadav, a three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, at the age of 42. According to media reports published on Wednesday, October 28, Yadav allegedly died by suicide at his residence, with a postmortem examination underway at Delhi’s Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital.

S Satyanarayana, head coach of India’s para-athletics team, confirmed that he had learnt of the tragedy. The circumstances surrounding Yadav’s death have not yet been fully established.

“Neeraj has died by suicide. It is very unfortunate that such a thing has happened,” Satyanarayana was quoted as saying.

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Yadav’s reported death comes after a distinguished career in para-athletics, during which he represented India at the highest level and won three gold medals at the Asian Para Games.

Who Was Neeraj Yadav?

Born in 1984, Yadav was one of India’s accomplished para-athletes in the F55 classification, which covers seated field events for athletes with eligible impairments affecting trunk and lower-limb function.

Diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven, Yadav initially pursued wheelchair tennis before moving into para-athletics. He went on to establish himself internationally, particularly in the javelin throw and discus throw.

His breakthrough at the Asian Para Games came in Jakarta in 2018, when he won gold in the men’s javelin throw F55 event.

Yadav added two more gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in 2023, winning the men’s javelin throw and discus throw events. His performances established him as a three-time gold medallist at the continental competition.

Doping Suspension Kept Him Out Of Asian Para Games 2026

Yadav was absent from India’s contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games earlier this month after receiving a doping suspension.

According to the National Anti-Doping Agency’s published sanction list, Yadav received a four-year period of ineligibility beginning on November 7, 2023. Earlier reports in November 2023 said he had returned a positive test for a prohibited anabolic steroid.

His suspension prevented him from competing at the 2026 edition in Japan. However, while reports have referred to emotional stress following his absence from the Games, no confirmed evidence has established a direct link between the suspension and the circumstances surrounding his death.

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Satyanarayana said he did not want to speculate about the exact reason behind the tragedy.

“I can’t speculate the exact reason,” the coach said, expressing sadness over the incident.

Indian Para-Sports Community Mourns The Loss

Yadav’s journey from childhood disability to international sporting success made him a prominent figure in Indian para-athletics. His three Asian Para Games gold medals remain a significant part of his sporting legacy.

As the postmortem examination and further inquiries proceed, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.