Three-Time Asian Para Games Javelin Champion Neeraj Yadav Dies by Suicide

Neeraj Yadav, a three-time Asian Para Games javelin throw champion and one of India’s leading para-athletes, died by suicide at his flat on Tuesday, national chief para-athletics coach S. Satyanarayana confirmed on Wednesday.

“Neeraj has died by suicide at his flat. This is extremely unfortunate and tragic. The cause behind this extreme step is yet to be ascertained,” Satyanarayana told IANS.

Yadav, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, built an impressive career in para-athletics despite being diagnosed with polio at the age of seven. He used a wheelchair throughout his life and initially pursued wheelchair tennis for nearly seven years before turning to athletics in 2015.

His breakthrough came at the 2015 Delhi State Athletics Meet, where he won gold medals in the shot put, javelin throw and discus throw. He continued to make his mark internationally, winning silver medals in the men's F55 shot put and discus events at the Fazza Grand Prix in 2016.

Yadav rose to prominence at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia, where he won gold in the men's F55 javelin throw with an Asian record of 29.84 metres.

He further strengthened his reputation at the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, in October 2023. Competing in the 2022 edition, postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he won two gold medals — one in the discus throw in the F54/55/56 category and another in the men's F55 javelin event.

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

From his early success at state-level competitions to winning multiple Asian Para Games titles, Yadav established himself as a prominent figure in Indian para-athletics. His achievements brought recognition to the country on the international stage and highlighted his sustained contribution to the sport.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with the cause yet to be established, according to Satyanarayana.