The sports community was left in shock after rising tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her father at their residence in Gurugram. The 25-year-old, who had represented Haryana at national-level tournaments and recently started her own tennis academy, became a victim of a family dispute that spiraled into a horrifying act of violence, reported The Indian Express.
The incident occurred around 10:30 am on a quiet morning when Radhika was preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Her father, Deepak Yadav, reportedly fired five rounds from his licensed .32 bore revolver, three of which struck Radhika in the back. Her uncle, who was in the house, heard the gunshots and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
Radhika had carved a name for herself in Indian tennis, especially in the junior circuit, and later ventured into coaching. She had been ranked around 113 in ITF doubles and previously held a position in the top 50 of the national junior rankings. After battling injuries that limited her playing career, she dedicated herself to running a tennis academy in Sector 57, Gurugram, where she trained dozens of young players.
According to police sources, the conflict between father and daughter had been simmering for months. Deepak Yadav reportedly felt humiliated by villagers and acquaintances who would tease him for being dependent on his daughter’s success. He had repeatedly asked her to shut down the academy, but Radhika refused, wanting to build a legacy through coaching. This tension allegedly led to the fateful confrontation.
In police custody, Deepak admitted that he was upset over the social ridicule and that he had acted out of anger. The revolver used in the crime was recovered from the home. An FIR was filed based on the statement of Radhika’s uncle, who also alleged that there had been previous verbal altercations in the house regarding Radhika’s independence and career choices.
Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, was present on the same floor during the incident but is yet to give a formal statement. Police are probing whether she had prior knowledge of the crime or any role in it. For now, Deepak Yadav remains the primary accused and has been remanded to judicial custody.
The incident has triggered widespread mourning in the Indian tennis community. Fellow players described Radhika as cheerful, hardworking, and determined to uplift others. Many recalled her “ever-smiling” face and dedication to the game. Her students at the academy were inconsolable, with many parents calling her a “role model” for young girls.
Radhika’s tragic death also reignited discussions around gender roles, mental health, and the societal discomfort with women’s financial independence. Activists and commentators pointed out how toxic masculinity, combined with a lack of emotional coping mechanisms, can lead to such violent outbursts within families. The incident also highlights the need for better mental health support and open conversations around intra-family resentment and power dynamics.
Local authorities, including Haryana’s sports department, expressed their condolences and promised to support her family and students. There are also talks of renaming her academy in her memory and initiating scholarships in her name to support underprivileged girls pursuing sports.
As investigations continue, Radhika’s story stands as a stark reminder that while women continue to break barriers in professional spaces, their personal spaces are not always safe. The same environment that celebrates their achievements can also become hostile when their success challenges traditional hierarchies at home.
Her students and colleagues plan to hold a candlelight vigil at the academy later this week to honor her memory. Many hope that her life—and untimely death—serves as a catalyst for societal change, where ambition and independence are no longer reasons for conflict, but causes for celebration.
Photo Credit: The Indian Express
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