Three-time Asian Para Games Gold Medallist Neeraj Yadav Passes Away at 42

Why in the News?

Renowned Indian para-athlete and three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist **Neeraj Yadav** passed away under tragic circumstances at the age of 42 on the night of October 27, 2026.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Cause of Death & Location: According to preliminary Delhi Police investigations, he died by suspected suicide after consuming poison near his vehicle close to Maujpur Metro Station in northeast Delhi.

- Career & Achievements:

- Diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis at age seven, he initially played wheelchair tennis (2005–2012) before shifting to para-athletics in the **F55 category** (javelin, discus, and shot put).

- He clinched the men's F55 javelin throw gold at the **2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games** and swept double gold in javelin and discus throw at the **2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games** (3 gold medals overall).

- Doping Ban & Context:

- He was serving a provisional suspension imposed by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for stanozolol in October 2023.

- The suspension rendered him ineligible for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games in October 2026.

- Background: He ran the Anshneer Sports Academy in Sonipat, Haryana, and is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter.

Static GK Facts:

- F55 Classification in Para Athletics:

- Covers seated field events (javelin, discus, shot put) for athletes with impaired muscle power or limb deficiency in their lower limbs.

- National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA India):

- Formed: **November 24, 2005** | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.

- Nodal Ministry: **Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports**.

- Paralympic Committee of India (PCI):

- Established: **1992** | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav, who passed away recently, was associated with which sport?

A: Para-Athletics (F55 Javelin and Discus Throw)

Q: In which year did Neeraj Yadav win his maiden Asian Para Games gold medal in Jakarta?

A: 2018

Q: Where is the headquarters of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) located?

A: New Delhi

Q: When was the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) established in India?

A: November 24, 2005

#NeerajYadav #ParaAthletics #AsianParaGames #NADA #PCI #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK