Tragic Loss of Neeraj Yadav: Three-Time Asian Para Games Champion
Neeraj Yadav's Untimely Passing
File image of Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav
(Photo: @DpreetG/X)
New Delhi, Oct 28: Neeraj Yadav, a celebrated javelin thrower and three-time gold medalist at the Asian Para Games, tragically took his own life at his residence on Tuesday, as confirmed by S. Satyanarayana, the national chief para-athletics coach.
"It is indeed a tragic and unfortunate incident. The reasons behind this drastic decision are still unknown," Satyanarayana stated on Wednesday.
Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Neeraj was a prominent figure in Indian para-athletics. He began his journey in athletics in 2015 after spending seven years in wheelchair tennis. His early achievements included a silver medal in the men's shot put and discus F55 events at the Fazza Grand Prix in 2016.
During the 2018 Asian Para Games, he made headlines by securing a gold medal with an Asian record throw of 29.84 meters. Most recently, at the 2022 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, he clinched two gold medals in October 2023, one in discus throw for the F54/55/56 class and another in javelin for the men's F55 category. In 2022, he also set a new Indian national record while winning gold at the Marrakech Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco.
Neeraj faced numerous challenges from a young age, having been diagnosed with polio at just seven years old, which necessitated the use of a wheelchair. His athletic career began in 2015, and he quickly gained recognition, particularly after winning a gold medal in the javelin F55 class at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia.
His journey to success was marked by a significant breakthrough at the 2015 Delhi State Athletics Meet, where he triumphed in shot put, javelin, and discus events.