Para-Athlete Neeraj Yadav Dies by Suicide at Flat; Coach Confirms

New Delhi, October 28: Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav died by suicide at his flat on Tuesday. The death was confirmed by National Chief Para-Athletics Coach S. Satyanarayan.

Satyanarayan told reporters on Wednesday that the news was deeply saddening. 'Neeraj has died by suicide at his flat. It is very unfortunate and tragic. We do not yet know what led to this decision.'

Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Neeraj was one of India's prominent para-athletes. He played wheelchair tennis for roughly seven years before moving into athletics in 2015. In 2016, he earned a silver medal in the men's F55 shot put and discus events at the Fazza Grand Prix.

In 2018, he claimed gold at the Asian Para Games with a throw of 29.84 metres, which was an Asian record. He returned to the Asian Para Games in October 2023 in Hangzhou, China, winning two gold medals. These came in the discus throw for the F54/55/56 class and the men's F55 javelin. In 2022, he won gold at the Marrakech Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco and established a new Indian national record.

Neeraj was diagnosed with polio at seven. He went on to achieve high honours in sport while competing from a wheelchair. Soon after starting athletics, he was selected for the Indian squad. His F55 javelin gold at the 2018 Indonesia Asian Para Games gave him wider recognition.

Earlier, at the 2015 Delhi State Athletics Meet, he had won gold medals in shot put, javelin and discus events.

Anyone experiencing emotional distress is urged to seek help from a trusted person or a helpline in their area.