Indian para-athlete Neeraj Yadav, a gold medallist at the Asian Para Games, has died at the age of 42, with Delhi Police investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to police, Jafrabad police received information from GTB Hospital at around 12:08 am on Wednesday. A woman accompanying Yadav reportedly found him unconscious near Maujpur Metro Station and took him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police have initiated proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
Yadav was a prominent figure in Indian para-athletics. Diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at the age of seven, he initially pursued wheelchair tennis before switching to para-athletics in the F55 category.
He rose to prominence at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, where he won gold in the javelin throw with an Asian-record distance of 29.84 metres. At the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, he secured two gold medals in javelin and discus.
Yadav was unable to participate in the 2026 Asian Para Games following a doping suspension. Beyond competitive sport, he ran Anshneer Sports Academy online from Sonipat, Haryana.
He is survived by his wife and three-year-old daughter.
