Three-time Asian Para Games gold medalist Neeraj Yadav dies by suicide, sports world mourns

October 28, 2026

New Delhi: Neeraj Yadav, a three-time Asian Para Games javelin throw gold medalist, died by suicide in his apartment on Tuesday. National Para Athletics chief coach S. Satyanarayana confirmed the incident to IANS on Wednesday. However, the reason behind his decision is not yet clear.

S. Satyanarayana said, “Yes, Neeraj died by suicide in his apartment. This is extremely unfortunate and sad. The reason behind his decision is not yet known.”

Started athletics in 2015

Neeraj Yadav, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was among India’s successful para-athletes. He began his athletics career in 2015 after playing wheelchair tennis for nearly seven years.

Neeraj performed brilliantly at the Delhi State Athletics Championships in 2015, winning gold medals in shot put, javelin, and discus throw. This was one of the major achievements of his career.

Following this, in 2016, he won silver medals in the men’s F55 category shot put and discus throw at the Fazza Grand Prix.

Set Asian Record at Asian Para Games

Neeraj Yadav won the gold medal in the javelin throw at the 2018 Asian Para Games, covering a distance of 29.84 meters. With this performance, he also set an Asian record and established his international recognition.

He then won two gold medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China in October 2023. He placed first in the F54/55/56 category of discus throw and the men’s F55 javelin throw.

In 2022, Neeraj also won a gold medal at the Para Athletics Grand Prix held in Marrakech, Morocco, setting a new Indian national record.

Faced Challenges Since Childhood

Neeraj Yadav’s life was filled with struggles. He was diagnosed with polio at the age of seven, after which a wheelchair became an integral part of his life.

Despite his physical challenges, he pursued a career in sports and, through persistent hard work, achieved national and international success. He gained special recognition after winning the gold medal in the javelin throw event at the 2018 Asian Para Games.

The news of his death has cast a pall of gloom over the sports world. The cause of his death has not yet been revealed.