Para Asian Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav dies at 42; head coach confirms suicide

PTC Web Desk: Neeraj Yadav, who won gold for India at the Asian Para Games, has died at the age of 42. He is believed to have died by suicide at his home in Delhi. 

India’s para-athletics head coach, S Satyanarayana, confirmed the news. He said he had heard about the incident and that Yadav’s body was still at the hospital. “Neeraj has died by suicide. It is very unfortunate that such a thing has happened,” Satyanarayana said.

Also Read | Your 100% whole wheat bread isn’t 100% whole wheat: Britannia fined Rs 1 lakh

Missed the Asian Para Games

Yadav was reportedly under emotional stress after he could not take part in the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya earlier this month. He had been suspended in a doping case and was kept out of the event. The police have not yet established the circumstances of his death.

The coach said he could not say what exactly led to it. “A sportsperson should face the highs and lows with equanimity,” he said, adding that it was sad Yadav took such a step.

A decorated career

Neeraj Yadav was one of India’s most accomplished para-athletes. He won three gold medals at the Asian Para Games: the javelin at Jakarta in 2018  and then the javelin and the discus at Hangzhou in 2023.

He competed in the F55 category, which is for seated throwing events such as the shot put, discus and javelin.

Yadav was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven. He first played wheelchair tennis before moving to para-athletics, where he went on to make a name for himself at the international level.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING⚠️

This article contains sensitive content related to suicide and self-harm and may be distressing or triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately.

Tele-MANAS Mental Health Helpline: Dial 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 from anywhere in India. Available 24×7 across India.