CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: Three-time Asian Para champion Neeraj Yadav dies, body found in flat
New Delhi. Veteran Indian para athlete Neeraj Yadav, a three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, has died at the age of 42. He was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his flat in Delhi on Tuesday night. Initial reports suggested that he may have consumed a poisonous substance. However, the actual cause of his death will be confirmed only after the postmortem report and investigation. National para athletics chief coach S. Satyanarayana confirmed his death and expressed grief over the incident.
Won three gold medals at the Asian Para Games
Neeraj Yadav had made a distinct mark in Indian para athletics with his outstanding performances. At the 2018 Asian Para Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, he won gold in the men’s F-55 javelin throw event with a distance of 29.84 metres. The performance also set an Asian record. Later, at the 2023 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, he added two more gold medals to his name. He brought pride to India by winning gold in the F-55 javelin throw and the F-54/55/56 discus throw events.
Contracted polio at the age of seven
Neeraj contracted polio at the age of seven. Despite this, he resolved to build a career in sports. He initially played wheelchair tennis and later entered the world of para athletics in 2015. His performances in shot put, javelin throw and discus throw at the Delhi State Athletics Championship brought him recognition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also praised his sporting achievements on the social media platform X in 2023.
Investigation into cause of death continues
According to media reports, Neeraj had not been able to participate in the recent Asian Para Games because he was serving a doping-related suspension. Some reports have linked this to emotional stress, but the actual reason behind his death has not yet been established. Officials and sports authorities have also not presented any final conclusion on the cause.
Neeraj Yadav’s death is a major loss for Indian para sports. His medals and achievements on the international stage will keep him remembered for a long time.
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