Neeraj Yadav, the 42‑year‑old F55 javelin champion, was found dead in his Delhi flat on Tuesday night.
Sources say he consumed poison, and a post‑mortem was underway at GTB Hospital. The tragedy has stunned the para‑athletics community.
Yadav’s dip in 2023 after a positive stanozolol test in Bengaluru kept him from the Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Para Games, a setback that might have weighed heavily on him. The loss of a major medal chance can be devastating for an athlete who relies on these events for recognition and support.
He had won gold at Jakarta 2018 with 29.84m, then added two more titles in Hangzhou 2023. His tally of three Asian Para Games golds places him among India’s elite. The numbers speak for themselves: 3 gold medals, 2 consecutive titles, and an Asian record in 2018.
Coach S Satyanarayana confirmed the death and hinted at emotional distress. "He might have been under pressure after the suspension," he said. Paralympic champion Sumit Antil and fellow athlete Vipin Kasana were also at the hospital, underscoring the tight‑knit community.
Yadav’s passing leaves a void in Indian para‑athletics and highlights the need for better mental‑health support for athletes facing disciplinary setbacks. The next major event for India is the 2026 Asian Games, where the country will look to rebuild its para‑athletics squad.