Indian para-athletics is mourning the death of Neeraj Yadav, a three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, who died at the age of 42 on October 27, 2026. The news was confirmed by Indian para-athletics head coach S. Satyanarayana, who expressed shock over the loss. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Yadav was a prominent Indian para-athlete who competed in the F55 category in javelin and discus throw events. He achieved a major milestone at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, winning gold in the men’s F55 javelin throw with an Asian record of 29.84 metres. At the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, held in 2023, he won gold medals in both javelin and discus throw, taking his total Asian Para Games gold medal tally to three.
Yadav was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven. Despite the challenges associated with his condition, he pursued competitive sports and initially participated in wheelchair tennis between 2005 and 2012. He later transitioned to para-athletics in 2015 and quickly established himself in national and international competitions. However, his career faced challenges following an anti-doping case. Reports stated that Yadav tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol in an out-of-competition sample collected in October 2023. He maintained his innocence and reportedly raised concerns about possible sample contamination or a mix-up. The resulting suspension prevented him from competing at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya earlier this month.
Yadav was under emotional stress following his exclusion from the competition. However, the circumstances surrounding his death have not been fully established, and no definitive conclusions should be drawn about the cause. A post-mortem examination was being conducted at Delhi’s Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital to establish further details. His death has shocked the Indian sporting community, while his three Asian Para Games gold medals remain a significant part of his sporting legacy.
