Radhika Yadav Death: The Shocking Tragedy of a Promising Tennis Player
The Radhika Yadav death has sent shockwaves through India’s sporting and social circles. On July 10, 2025, the 25-year-old tennis player and academy owner was fatally shot by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their home in Gurugram’s upscale Sushant Lok area. The incident has raised urgent questions about family pressures, societal expectations, and the challenges faced by women excelling in sports.
Who Was Radhika Yadav?
Radhika Yadav was a former state and national-level tennis player. She had competed in various national and international tournaments, achieving a career-best ranking of 75 in Girls Under-18, 53 in Women’s Doubles, and 35 in Women’s Singles according to All India Tennis Association (AITA) records5. On the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit, she was ranked 113. After a shoulder injury curtailed her playing career, she shifted her focus to coaching, running a tennis academy in Gurugram and teaching high-profile clients
What Happened on the Day of Her Death?
On the morning of July 10, 2025, Radhika was in the kitchen on the first floor of her family home, reportedly preparing something special for her mother’s birthday. Her father, Deepak Yadav, used his licensed .32 bore revolver to fire at least five shots at her, with three or four bullets hitting her in the back. Radhika’s uncle and cousin, who lived on the ground floor, rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival
Why Did the Shooting Occur?
The motive behind the Radhika Yadav death is deeply rooted in family conflict and social pressures:
- Deepak Yadav was reportedly upset over being taunted by villagers and locals for living off his daughter’s income from her tennis academy.
- He had repeatedly asked Radhika to shut down the academy, but she refused, wanting to continue her career as a coach and academy owner.
- According to police, Deepak confessed that he was unable to cope with the “insult” and pressure from society, which questioned both his dependence on Radhika and, at times, her character.
- The altercations between father and daughter over her professional independence and the running of the academy had been ongoing for some time
What Do the Police and Autopsy Reports Say?
- The autopsy confirmed that Radhika was shot four times from behind.
- The murder weapon, a licensed .32 bore revolver, was recovered from the home.
- Deepak Yadav was arrested shortly after the incident and has confessed to the crime.
- The FIR was filed on the complaint of Radhika’s uncle, and police investigations are ongoing, including questioning family members and reviewing the sequence of events
The Aftermath and Reactions
The Radhika Yadav death has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow in the sports community and beyond. Fellow tennis professionals and the public have expressed shock, mourning the loss of a talented athlete with a bright future. The case has also reignited conversations about:
- Societal attitudes towards women’s financial independence
- The stigma attached to men relying on female family members’ earnings
- The pressures faced by women in sports and professional life in India
Key Takeaways
- Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old tennis player and coach, was shot dead by her father in Gurugram on July 10, 2025.
- The motive was linked to family disputes over her running a tennis academy and societal taunts about her father’s dependence on her income.
- The incident has highlighted critical issues around gender, family honor, and the challenges faced by women pursuing independent careers in India.
The Radhika Yadav death stands as a tragic reminder of the complex interplay between personal ambition, family dynamics, and societal expectations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family conflict or mental distress, consider reaching out to professional support services or helplines in your area.