25-year-old Indian tennis player Radhika Yadav was tragically shot dead by her father at their Gurugram home. The rising star had founded her own tennis academy, which became a point of conflict in the family.
Indian Tennis Star Radhika Yadav Shot Dead by Her Father in Gurugram Over Family Dispute
India is mourning the tragic and untimely death of Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old rising tennis player who was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their family residence in Gurugram, Haryana. The shocking incident occurred on Thursday, July 10, 2025, and has sent ripples through the sports community and wider public, sparking urgent conversations about domestic violence, women’s independence, and family control.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Radhika Yadav was a talented Indian tennis player, who had represented the country at national and international levels. She achieved a career-high All India Tennis Association (AITA) under-18 ranking of 75 and senior women’s ranking of 35, along with a doubles rank around 113 on the ITF tour. After sustaining an injury that hampered her playing career, she pivoted toward coaching and opened her own tennis academy in Gurugram, which gained recognition for nurturing young talent.
Radhika Yadav transformation from player to mentor at a young age was seen as inspirational, especially in a field where female coaches are still rare.
The Incident: What Happened?
According to police reports, the incident took place around 10:30 AM at their residence in Sushant Lok, Sector 57, Gurugram. Radhika was reportedly in the kitchen preparing breakfast when her father, Deepak Yadav, approached and fired multiple rounds from a licensed .32 bore revolver. At least four bullets hit her, leading to her death on the spot.
Initial investigations revealed that Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, was present in the home but did not initially realize what had happened. She reportedly mistook the sound of gunfire for a pressure cooker burst and only learned of the horror after others rushed to help. Radhika was taken to a nearby hospital by neighbors and family members but was declared dead on arrival.
The Motive: Conflict Over Her Independence
The murder appears to have stemmed from an ongoing family dispute, primarily regarding Radhika’s decision to run her tennis academy independently. Her father allegedly disapproved of her working life, and sources indicate that he felt humiliated by societal remarks that he was financially dependent on his daughter.
According to police, Deepak pressured Radhika to shut down the academy, citing that the family had rental income and didn’t need her to work. Investigators are also probing whether ego, societal pressure, and patriarchal beliefs played roles in the tragic turn of events.
Investigation: Contradictions and Key Evidence
While Deepak has confessed to the crime, discrepancies have emerged between the First Information Report (FIR) and the post-mortem report. The FIR claims that Radhika was shot from behind, but forensic results suggest the bullets hit her chest—indicating she may have faced her attacker when the shots were fired.
This contradiction has prompted a deeper probe, including ballistic analysis, witness interviews, and further examination of family dynamics. Deepak has been arrested and remains in police custody.
Meanwhile, Radhika Yadav mother has not formally recorded a police statement, citing illness and mental distress. Authorities are continuing efforts to determine her exact knowledge of the situation.
Tributes and Public Reaction
The tennis community and general public have reacted with shock and grief. Former players, coaches, and fans took to social media to express their condolences and outrage. Radhika was remembered as a promising athlete, dedicated mentor, and a role model for young girls in sports.
Women’s rights activists and social commentators have also weighed in, using the tragedy to highlight the dangers of patriarchal control, especially over young women seeking independence. They have called for greater awareness, legal protections, and mental health support within families to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Life of Promise, Silenced by Violence
Radhika Yadav’s death is more than a personal or family tragedy—it is a national loss. It shines a harsh light on the clash between generational expectations and modern aspirations in Indian households. As India continues to champion gender equality in sports, education, and employment, stories like Radhika’s serve as painful reminders of the barriers that still exist.
Radhika Yadav legacy will live on through the students she coached, the matches she played, and the inspiration she gave to others. But her death must also become a turning point—pushing society to reflect on how we support, protect, and value our daughters.