
Radhika Yadav, a rising tennis star from Haryana, was gunned down by her father in a chilling act of domestic violence
Rising Star Silenced: Radhika’s Journey from Courts to Crisis
Born on March 23, 2000, in Gurugram, Radhika Yadav was more than just a promising athlete, she was a symbol of grit and ambition. With an ITF doubles ranking of 113, she had competed internationally and was ranked fifth in Haryana’s women’s doubles category. Her career was on an upward trajectory, and she had recently launched a tennis academy to mentor young talent.
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Radhika’s discipline and focus were praised by coaches and peers alike. She had played against formidable opponents like Viswanadh Harshini and Bougrat Maelys, and her name was beginning to echo in India’s tennis circles. Her academy was not just a business, it was her dream to give back to the sport that shaped her.
But behind the accolades was a growing tension at home. Her father, Deepak Yadav, reportedly disapproved of her independence and the attention she received on social media, particularly Instagram reels. What should have been a proud chapter in a father’s life turned into a fatal confrontation.
The Fatal Morning: What Happened in Sector 57
On July 10, 2025, around 10:30 AM, Radhika was in the kitchen of her family’s home in Sushant Lok Phase 2, Gurugram. According to police reports, her father fired five bullets, three of which struck her in the back. The weapon used was a licensed .32 bore revolver, now seized by authorities.
Initial investigations suggest the trigger was a dispute over a promotional video Radhika had filmed for her academy. Deepak, allegedly agitated by social media backlash and perceived disrespect, acted in a moment of rage. Family members rushed her to a nearby hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
The accused confessed to the crime and was arrested on the spot. Gurugram Police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar confirmed that the motive stemmed from long-standing disagreements over her career and public presence.
Beyond the Headlines: A Mirror to Society’s Fault Lines
Radhika’s death is not just a personal tragedy, it’s a reflection of deeper societal tensions. Her story exposes the clash between tradition and modernity, especially for women who dare to carve their own paths. In a country where daughters are often expected to conform, Radhika’s independence became a point of contention.
Her father’s alleged discomfort with her financial success, public visibility, and autonomy echoes a broader narrative: the struggle of women in India to claim space without fear. The fact that she was killed for running a tennis academy and posting online content is a chilling reminder of how patriarchal control can escalate into violence.
This incident also raises questions about gun licensing, mental health, and the lack of conflict resolution mechanisms within families. Should licensed firearms be accessible in domestic settings? What support systems exist for young women facing familial pressure?
Conclusion:
Radhika Yadav’s life was a testament to talent, resilience, and ambition. Her death, however, is a stark indictment of the societal structures that failed her. As India mourns the loss of a rising star, it must also confront the uncomfortable truths her story reveals.
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