Neeraj Yadav, India's three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, has died at 42. Here is what has been confirmed.

Three-time gold medalist from Asian Para Games in seated throws events, Neeraj Yadav has died in Delhi after suffering a tragic incident. His head coach for India's para athletics team S Satyanarayana confirmed the news on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Overview

F55 javelin and discus thrower Neeraj Yadav died at the age of 42. The head coach confirmed the sad incident occurred on this day, as a post-mortem was being carried out at a hospital in Delhi.

What happened to Neeraj Yadav?

The head coach confirmed to media, "It is sad to confirm Neeraj has sadly died by suicide." His body was still at the hospital on Wednesday whilst the post-mortem took place. The coach could not comment on why the incident happened as it would be speculation, Shafaqna India reported.

Who was Neeraj Yadav?

Neeraj was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis when he was just seven years old. He played wheelchair tennis initially but transitioned to para athletics around 2015. He found comfort in the javelin and discus. Born on 10 February 1984, Yadav became a well-known member of India's field event team and one of the most successful seated throwers from the country.

What medals has he won?

His first was in Jakarta 2018 when he won gold in men's F55 javelin with a throw of 29.84 metres. This was an Asian record. In September 2022 he claimed gold in the Marrakech Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco with a new Indian national record. At Hangzhou in October 2023, he won two more gold medals in the javelin and discus. This meant he had three gold medals in two editions.

Why didn't he compete in the 2026 Asian Para Games?

As he was serving a doping ban he was not considered for the Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan this year.

How is the para sports community responding?

The para sports community are grieving the loss of an athlete who has brought many major medals internationally for India. His death was confirmed by his head coach as his post-mortem was taking place.

Business Fortune tells readers, if you or someone you know is struggling, please speak to a mental health professional or someone you can trust.

FAQs

1. Who was Neeraj Yadav?

An Indian para athlete who competed in seated javelin and discus in F55. He won three gold medals at Asian Para Games.

2. How old was Neeraj Yadav?

42.

3. How many gold medals did Neeraj Yadav win at Asian Para Games?

Three.

4. Who confirmed Neeraj Yadav's death?

His death was confirmed by his head coach for India's para athletics team S Satyanarayana on October 28, 2026.

5. Why didn't Neeraj Yadav compete at Asian Para Games 2026?

As he was serving a doping ban he was not considered for the Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Sources

Deccan Chronicle · Open Magazine · Gulf News · Shafaqna India · Neeraj Yadav on Wikipedia · India at the 2022 Asian Para Games