In a deeply shocking and tragic incident, 25-year-old Indian tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their home in Gurugram. The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon and has left the Indian sports community stunned. Radhika, once an active competitor in the ITF singles and doubles circuit, had transitioned into coaching and was successfully running a tennis academy. According to the FIR filed by her uncle, Deepak harbored resentment towards Radhika’s growing professional independence, particularly her decision to continue operating the academy despite his repeated objections. Police say he was influenced by neighborhood taunts questioning his dependence on his daughter’s income.

The Gurugram Police received an alert from a local private hospital about a woman with bullet injuries. Upon reaching, they found only Radhika’s uncle, Kuldeep Yadav, present — both parents were missing. Authorities later located and arrested Deepak, who confessed to the murder, reportedly admitting that he shot Radhika three times from behind. The motive, as per police, stemmed from Deepak’s wounded ego and perceived loss of control, exacerbated by social pressure. Despite owning a few rental properties, Deepak was allegedly disturbed by the fact that most household expenses were being managed through his daughter’s income.

Radhika’s tennis journey saw her playing 36 singles and 7 doubles matches under the ITF banner. While her last singles match was in March 2024, she had already begun establishing herself as a respected coach in Gurugram. Her sudden death has not only sparked outrage but also reignited conversations around gender roles, patriarchal control, and the mental health of both athletes and their families. The Indian sports fraternity mourns her loss and demands justice, as tributes continue to pour in on social media from fans, players, and officials across the country.