Daughter's Dreams Shattered: Tennis Star Shot Dead by Father in Gurugram

The Indian sporting community is in shock and mourning following the tragic death of 25-year-old tennis professional Radhika Yadav, who was fatally shot by her own father, Deepak Yadav, at their residence in Gurugram. The incident, stemming from a heated disagreement over Radhika's professional activities and financial independence, has cast a grim spotlight on deeply rooted societal pressures and patriarchal mindsets.

Radhika, a talented athlete who had competed on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit and represented India in various national and international competitions, was rushed to the hospital after being shot multiple times. Despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries. The post-mortem report indicates she was shot four times – three in the back and one in the shoulder. Her mother, Manju Yadav, was reportedly at home at the time of the shooting, initially mistaking the gunshots for a pressure cooker blast.

Police have swiftly charged Deepak Yadav with his daughter's murder. During questioning, Deepak reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting to using his licensed .32 bore revolver, which was recovered from the scene.

According to Inspector Vinod Kumar, Station House Officer, the primary motive appears to be Deepak Yadav's growing resentment and distress over comments from neighbours who taunted him about his financial reliance on his daughter's income. "He had been upset for a while as he was being taunted by locals over his daughter's income. He was troubled by their remarks - they would keep saying the house is running on her money, and he is too dependent on that," Inspector Kumar stated to The Indian Express.

While initial reports suggested Radhika ran her own tennis academy, police investigations have clarified that she did not own a physical academy. Instead, she coached young players by booking tennis courts at various locations. This venture, which provided her with independent income, became the focal point of the fatal dispute. Deepak Yadav had repeatedly demanded that Radhika cease her coaching activities, but she had steadfastly refused to comply.

Despite Deepak Yadav reportedly having a stable financial standing, with significant rental income from multiple properties and even a past career as a bank employee, he was allegedly deeply affected by the perception that he was living off his daughter's earnings. Sources indicate he had spent over ₹2.5 crore on Radhika's tennis training throughout her career, suggesting a complex interplay of pride, societal expectations, and control.

Beyond the financial dispute, some media outlets have hinted at other contributing factors, including unconfirmed allegations about Radhika's social media presence and a music video she featured in. Her close friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, has spoken out, alleging that Radhika faced severe restrictions from her "orthodox" family, who shamed her for wearing certain clothes, talking to boys, and generally pursuing an independent lifestyle. Himaanshika also claimed that Radhika had expressed being "miserable" and "completely broken" in the days leading up to her death, even telling her family she was ready to live according to their instructions. However, police have largely dismissed social media-related claims as direct motives, focusing on the financial independence aspect.

Radhika Yadav's last competitive appearance on the ITF circuit was in March 2024. While she had stepped away from tournament play over a year ago, she had channeled her passion for tennis into coaching, a move that tragically led to the confrontation with her father. Her career-best doubles ranking on the ITF circuit was 113 as of November 2024, and she held the fifth position in the Haryana women's doubles rankings. She was known for her dedication, agility, and tactical intelligence on court, having started playing tennis in Class 3 and dreaming of playing at Wimbledon.

Members of India's tennis community have expressed profound shock and grief at the news of her untimely death, remembering Yadav as a dedicated and industrious professional who made significant contributions to Indian tennis. Tributes have poured in from fellow players and coaches, highlighting the immense loss to the sport.

Authorities are continuing their enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding the killing, piecing together the events that led to a father taking his own daughter's life over her pursuit of independence and career aspirations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the battles many young women continue to face in their quest for autonomy and self-reliance in a society still grappling with deeply entrenched patriarchal norms.