Neeraj Yadav remembered as a friend, motivator and ‘zindadil insaan’
Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav has died by suicide in Delhi. The para-athletics community is mourning the loss of the athlete, who was widely regarded as a mentor and a source of inspiration.
Why it matters
The death of a prominent athlete highlights the need for better mental health support systems within professional sports communities.
NEW DELHI: "Aye pehelwaan kaisi hai?" - that is how Suvarna Raj remembers Neeraj Yadav speaking to her. The two para-athletes shared years of training, laughter and memories. For Suvarna, who won gold at the 2026 Asian Para Games, Neeraj was a 'zindadil insaan' - a person full of life who always found ways to encourage others, especially young athletes.The athletics field will no longer echo with his laughter. His fellow athletes will miss the way he waved his hands, called out to them by their familiar nicknames and brought life to every gathering.Neeraj, a three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, was found dead in Delhi on Tuesday night. Preliminary reports suggested that he may have consumed poison, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
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