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.
