Para-athlete Neeraj Yadav, 3-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, dies in Delhi
Synopsis
Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav, one of India's most decorated para-athletes, allegedly died by suicide in northeast Delhi's Maujpur on the night of 27 October. The 42-year-old, who had won gold in Jakarta in 2018 and double gold in Hangzhou in 2023, is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter. Police have registered a case and investigations are under way.
Key Takeaways
Neeraj Yadav , aged 42 , a three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, allegedly died by suicide in northeast Delhi's Maujpur late on 27 October 2026 .
He was found near Gate No.
1, Maujpur Metro Station and was declared brought dead at GTB Hospital .
Neeraj had won gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games and double gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games in the F55 category .
Police have registered a case under Section 194 of the BNSS at Jafrabad Police Station ; investigation is ongoing.
He is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter .
Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav, aged 42, allegedly died by suicide inside his car in northeast Delhi's Maujpur area late on Tuesday night, 27 October 2026, according to police. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to preliminary police enquiries, a woman who had been Neeraj's friend since December 2025 travelled to Sonipat, Haryana, on 27 October to meet him. She reportedly informed him that she could no longer remain in contact with him. Neeraj subsequently drove her back to Maujpur in his Scorpio-N car.
Later that evening, around 9:00 PM, growing concerned about his well-being, the woman returned to the vicinity of Gate No. 1 of the Maujpur Metro Station, where she found the para-athlete lying on the road beside his car. She immediately transported him to hospital, where he was declared brought dead by attending doctors.
Police Response and Investigation
Jafrabad Police Station received initial information from GTB Hospital regarding a person brought to the emergency department and declared dead on arrival. An enquiry team led by Sub-Inspector Vishal Tyagi, along with staff, reached Rajiv Gandhi Hospital — where GTB Hospital's emergency services are currently being operated — only to find that the body had already been shifted to the GTB Hospital mortuary.
Police have since registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Jafrabad Police Station. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing, according to officials.
A Decorated Para-Athlete's Legacy
Neeraj Yadav was a celebrated F55 category field thrower who claimed gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games and secured a remarkable double gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. He had also run an online sports training venture based in Sonipat, Haryana, and was widely regarded as one of India's most accomplished para-athletes in his discipline.
He is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter. The sporting community has lost one of its most decorated para-athletes in circumstances that remain under investigation.
What Happens Next
Investigators are piecing together the full sequence of events leading to Neeraj's death. The case under Section 194 of the BNSS covers unnatural deaths and will require a magisterial enquiry alongside the police probe. The outcome of the post-mortem examination is expected to provide further clarity on the cause of death.
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Point of View
Inconsistent post-career pathways, and minimal visibility outside Games years. The circumstances here remain under investigation, but the broader question of mental health support for India's para-sports community deserves urgent attention from Sports Authority of India and the Paralympic Committee of India. Celebrating medals without building welfare frameworks is a structural failing that this tragedy, whatever its ultimate cause, should force policymakers to confront.
NationPress
28 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Neeraj Yadav?
Neeraj Yadav was a 42-year-old Indian para-athlete competing in the F55 category of field throws. He won gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games and double gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, making him one of India's most decorated para-athletes.
Where and when did Neeraj Yadav die?
Neeraj Yadav was found near Gate No. 1 of the Maujpur Metro Station in northeast Delhi on the evening of 27 October 2026. He was taken to GTB Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
What is the current status of the police investigation?
Police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Jafrabad Police Station, which covers unnatural deaths and mandates a magisterial enquiry. The investigation into the full circumstances of his death is ongoing.
Who found Neeraj Yadav and took him to hospital?
A woman described by police as Neeraj's friend since December 2025 found him lying on the road beside his car near Maujpur Metro Station around 9:00 PM on 27 October, after growing concerned about his well-being. She immediately rushed him to hospital.
Who survives Neeraj Yadav?
Neeraj Yadav is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter. He had also been running an online sports training venture in Sonipat, Haryana, at the time of his death.
