National-Level Tennis Player Radhika Yadav Fatally Shot by Father in Gurugram

GURUGRAM | July 10, 2025 — In a deeply disturbing incident that has shaken the sporting fraternity, 25-year-old national-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their residence in Gurugram’s Sector 57 on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. while Radhika was preparing food in the kitchen. According to preliminary police reports and multiple media accounts, Deepak Yadav, 49, allegedly fired five rounds at his daughter using a licensed revolver, three of which struck her in the back. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, Radhika succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

The accused has been taken into custody and, according to police officials, has confessed to the crime. During questioning, he reportedly stated that he was emotionally affected by taunts from villagers who claimed he was dependent on his daughter’s income. He also alleged that certain individuals questioned her character—remarks that, he claimed, further fueled his anger.

Radhika, a former state-level athlete, had recently shifted focus to coaching young players after a shoulder injury curtailed her competitive career. She was running a tennis academy in the city, an initiative her father reportedly opposed. Despite repeated objections from him, Radhika had continued with her academy—an issue believed to have led to growing tension within the family.

The FIR, filed based on a complaint by Radhika’s uncle Kuldeep Yadav, states that Deepak had repeatedly urged his daughter to shut down the academy, to no avail. According to police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar, “The motive behind the crime appears to be the accused’s resentment toward his daughter’s decision to run the tennis academy.”

The weapon used in the crime has been recovered, and police teams have completed a forensic inspection of the crime scene. Investigations are ongoing.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the sports community, with many expressing grief and outrage. Radhika’s former coach, Manoj Bhardwaj, remembered her as “a focused, disciplined, and immensely talented player,” whose promising career was cut short by an act of unimaginable violence.

This tragedy has once again highlighted the destructive consequences of societal pressure, entrenched patriarchy, and the stigma associated with women's independence and success.