A 25-year-old tennis player was shot dead by her father inside their home in Gurugram on Thursday, in a case that has triggered widespread shock within the sporting community. Radhika Yadav, a former state-level tennis player who had represented India in international tournaments, was allegedly killed following a prolonged domestic dispute linked to her growing independence and career choices.
The incident took place around 10:30 AM at the family’s residence in Sushant Lok Phase II, Sector 57. According to police, Deepak Yadav, Radhika’s father, fired five rounds from a licensed .32 bore revolver. Three bullets hit her – two in the back and one in the neck, causing fatal injuries. She was rushed to a nearby private hospital by family members and neighbours but was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities confirmed that the revolver used in the shooting has been recovered. Deepak Yadav was arrested from the scene, and a case under charges of murder has been registered at the Sector 56 Police Station.
Radhika had taken a break from competitive tennis following a shoulder injury and was running her own tennis academy. Investigators indicated that ongoing friction between her and her father revolved around this academy, as well as her financial independence and public presence. There were also reports of disapproval from family members over her use of social media platforms.
Originally from Haryana, Radhika began playing tennis at a young age and steadily rose through national junior circuits. At her peak, she held an ITF doubles ranking of 113 and was considered a promising name in India’s tennis circles. After her injury, she shifted her focus to coaching, setting up her own academy to train young players in Gurugram.
Family sources confirmed that there had been several disagreements in recent months regarding her work and visibility. Her father, a former auto parts businessman who also drew income from rental properties, had reportedly objected to her running the academy independently.
The family had been residing in Gurugram for several years. On the morning of the incident, an argument reportedly broke out over the academy, after which Deepak Yadav allegedly retrieved the weapon and fired at Radhika while she was in the kitchen.
Her younger brother, who was present at the time, helped shift her to the hospital. The mother was reportedly not at home during the incident.
Police are now examining possible additional triggers behind the incident. Investigators are also reviewing her social media presence and financial records as part of the probe.
Radhika’s death marks a tragic end to a career that had only recently transitioned from professional play to grassroots coaching. She had been working with young tennis aspirants, some of whom had begun showing early promise under her mentorship.
The post-mortem was conducted later in the day, and her body was handed over to the family. Funeral rites were completed on Thursday evening.
As the investigation continues, the case has raised broader concerns about familial control, the pressures faced by young women pursuing independent careers, and the fragility of personal freedom within patriarchal structures. Law enforcement officials stated that further questioning of the accused is ongoing, and forensic examinations are underway.
The case has also prompted strong reactions from the tennis fraternity, with calls for greater mental health support and stronger safeguards for athletes navigating family pressure and public scrutiny. While legal proceedings move forward, Radhika’s story has become part of a wider conversation about generational conflict, gender, and control within domestic spaces.
