Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav fails dope test, could be stripped of medals

He won two gold medals at the recently concluded Asian Games 2023.

Three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist, Neeraj Yadav, has tested positive for doping in an out of competition conducted by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) last month. The test was conducted prior to the start of the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou.

As reported by TOI, the athlete has tested positive for an anaerobic steroid in tests conducted by Nada's dope-controlled officers at Sports Authority of India (SAI) office in Bengaluru. This could mean that the two gold medals which he had won at Asian Para Games 2023 be stripped off.

Several medallists who won medals last month have been tested and the results of many are awaited. Now, Neeraj will have a chance to present his case before Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) - part of NADA.

Neeraj Yadav ,39, primarily competes in two sports - javelin and discus throw events in F-55 category. His major redemption came at the 2018 Asian Para Games where he conquered a gold medal in javelin throw. Apart from winning medals in Asiad, the experienced athlete won a gold medal in discus throw at World Para Athletics Championship 2022 held in the USA.

Apart from just medalling, Neeraj when onto break his own Games Record in javelin throw by registering 33.69m. He earlier had the record at 29.84m. Similarly in discus throw, Neeraj created a new Area and Games record with a best attempt of 38.56m.

After starting his career as a wheelchair tennis player in 2005, Neeraj shifted to athletics as he couldn't continue with tennis due to monetary constraints. Ever since the switch, he has actively taken part in major meets and has broken records several times.