New Delhi: Indian para-athlete Neeraj Yadav, a three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, has died at the age of 42. The accomplished javelin thrower was found dead at his residence in Delhi on Tuesday night, October 27, according to media reports. A post-mortem examination was underway at a Delhi hospital on Wednesday, October 28, and the circumstances surrounding his death had not been fully established.
Yadav’s death has saddened the para-athletics community, where he was known for his achievements in the F55 category. National chief para-athletics coach S. Satyanarayana confirmed the death, describing it as a tragic development. Reports said investigators were examining the circumstances of the incident.
Neeraj Yadav’s achievements at the Asian Para Games
Yadav made his mark internationally at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he won gold in the men’s F55 javelin throw with an Asian-record effort of 29.84 metres.
He added two more gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, held in 2023, winning in the javelin and discus events. His three gold medals established him as one of India’s accomplished para-athletes.
Before taking up para-athletics, Yadav had competed in wheelchair tennis for several years. He began his athletics career in 2015 and went on to compete in events including the javelin, discus and shot put. He also secured medals at international para-athletics competitions, including the Fazza Grand Prix in 2016.
Challenges in his sporting career
Yadav, who was from Uttar Pradesh, developed post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven. Despite the challenges associated with his condition, he pursued competitive sport and represented India at international events.
His career also faced an anti-doping setback. Reports said he was suspended after testing positive for a prohibited substance, which prevented him from competing at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya earlier this month. Some reports cited emotional stress related to missing the competition, but authorities had not established the circumstances surrounding his death or confirmed a definitive cause.
Investigation underway
A post-mortem examination was being conducted at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital in Delhi to help establish the cause of death. Further details were awaited as the investigation continued.
Yadav’s three Asian Para Games gold medals remain a significant part of his sporting legacy. His journey from wheelchair tennis to the international para-athletics stage highlighted his achievements in Indian sport.