Asian Para Games gold medallist and accomplished Indian para-athlete Neeraj Yadav has allegedly died by suicide at his residence at the age of 42. According to the Indian para-athletics team head coach, Yadav was reportedly experiencing emotional stress after missing the recent Asian Para Games due to a doping suspension. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the tragedy as a post-mortem examination is currently underway. Yadav leaves behind a celebrated legacy, having won multiple gold medals in javelin and discus events at major international competitions. Diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis in his youth, he overcame significant challenges to become a pioneering figure in Indian seated field events.

Asian Para Games gold medallist and accomplished Indian para-athlete Neeraj Yadav has allegedly died by suicide at his residence at the age of 42. According to the Indian para-athletics team head coach, Yadav was reportedly experiencing emotional stress after missing the recent Asian Para Games due to a doping suspension. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the tragedy as a post-mortem examination is currently underway. Yadav leaves behind a celebrated legacy, having won multiple gold medals in javelin and discus events at major international competitions. Diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis in his youth, he overcame significant challenges to become a pioneering figure in Indian seated field events.

Asian Para Games gold medallist and accomplished Indian para-athlete Neeraj Yadav has allegedly died by suicide at his residence at the age of 42. According to the Indian para-athletics team head coach, Yadav was reportedly experiencing emotional stress after missing the recent Asian Para Games due to a doping suspension. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the tragedy as a post-mortem examination is currently underway. Yadav leaves behind a celebrated legacy, having won multiple gold medals in javelin and discus events at major international competitions. Diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis in his youth, he overcame significant challenges to become a pioneering figure in Indian seated field events.

Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav has allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison at his residence

The incident was confirmed by S Satyanarayana, head coach of the Indian para-athletics team, who said he learnt of the tragedy but that Yadav’s body was still at the hospital.  

A post-mortem examination is underway.

The 42-year-old was reportedly under emotional stress after missing the the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya earlier this month due to a doping suspension. He had previously competed in the F 55 category.

The circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be established.

Satyanarayana said, "I can't speculate the exact reason, but if you ask me, I would say a sportsperson should face the highs and lows with equanimity. It's unfortunate that he chose this far and take the extreme step."

Yadav was one of India's most accomplished para-athletes.

He won three gold medals at the Asian Para Games, including a javelin title at the 2018 edition in Jakarta, followed by a gold medal in the javelin and discus at Hangzhou in 2013 .

Yadav was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven. He initially took up wheelchair tennis before switching to para athletics,

The F55 category covers seated field events including shot-put, discs and javelin.

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