Neeraj Yadav Dies: Three-Time Para Games Gold Medallist Passes Away After Alleged Self-Harm

Indian para-athletics has been plunged into mourning following the shocking news of three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav’s alleged death by suicide. The 42-year-old athlete, a prominent figure in the F55 category, was found dead at his flat in Delhi on Tuesday night, suspected to have consumed poison. The incident has sent ripples of grief and disbelief through the sporting community. Where To Watch Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast.

National chief para-athletics coach S. Satyanarayana confirmed the devastating news to Times of India, stating, 'Yes, Neeraj has died by suicide at his flat. This is extremely unfortunate and tragic.' He added that the exact cause behind the extreme step is yet to be ascertained. A post-mortem examination was underway at Delhi's GTB Hospital on Wednesday, with fellow athletes, including Paralympic champion Sumit Antil and para-athlete Vipin Kasana, present to pay their respects.

A Star's Tragic End

Yadav, born on February 10, 1984, was a celebrated para-athlete, known for his prowess in javelin and discus throw events. His career was marked by significant achievements, including three gold medals at the Asian Para Games. He clinched gold in javelin at the 2018 Jakarta edition and followed it up with two more gold medals in both javelin and discus at the 2022 (held in 2023) Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. He competed in the F55 category, which features seated field events.

His journey in para-athletics began in 2015, following a seven-year stint in wheelchair tennis from 2005 to 2012. Yadav was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven, a challenge he overcame to reach the pinnacle of para-sports.

Emotional Stress and Doping Suspension

Reports indicate that Yadav was reportedly under considerable emotional stress in recent times. Sources suggest this stress stemmed from missing the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, held from October 18 to 24, 2026, due to a doping suspension. Coach Satyanarayana, while not speculating on the exact reason, expressed regret over the turn of events. "I can't speculate on 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 path and took the extreme step," he stated. His sample, collected in October 2023, had tested positive for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, and he had sought DNA testing of his sample. Asian Para Games 2026: India Finish Fourth With Record 114 Medals, Including 30 Gold.

Key Career Highlights:

• Born: February 10, 1984
• Category: F55 (Javelin, Discus, Shotput)
• Asian Para Games Medals:
• Gold, Javelin – 2018 Asian Para Games (Jakarta)
• Gold, Javelin – 2022 Asian Para Games (Hangzhou, held in 2023)
• Gold, Discus – 2022 Asian Para Games (Hangzhou, held in 2023)

His untimely demise is a profound loss for Indian para-sports, leaving a void in the athletics community and serving as a poignant reminder of the immense pressures athletes can face. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2026 11:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).