Tragic murder: Radhika Yadav, a former tennis pro, gunned down by her father on her mother's birthday.
In a shocking turn of events, Radhika Yadav, a former state-level tennis player from Gurugram, was shot dead by her father, Naresh Yadav, on July 10, 2025. The incident occurred inside the family's kitchen during an argument that stemmed from a longstanding domestic disagreement.
Radhika, who was 26 years old at the time of her death, was a promising tennis talent, having played at the state level and participated in national competitions during her teenage years. She was widely recognized in Haryana's tennis circles and was preparing to resume training for local tournaments.
The motive behind the shooting appears to be a dispute over the tennis academy Radhika ran. Naresh Yadav, a former security guard, reportedly felt humiliated by people taunting him for living off his daughter's earnings and pressured her to close the academy, which she refused. This conflict, coupled with his reported depression and social pressure, led him to shoot her at close range, resulting in her immediate death.
Naresh Yadav has been charged with murder and illegal use of a firearm. He was apprehended by Haryana Police after committing the crime. The family's licensed revolver has been seized by the authorities, and forensic teams are examining the crime scene.
The incident has shaken the nation and is currently under investigation by the police. Further interrogation is underway to determine the exact motive for the crime, and police have ruled out alternative motives, including rumours related to a music video Radhika featured in. The case remains under investigation, with police exploring all angles but currently prioritizing the motive related to family conflict over the tennis academy.
Friends remember Radhika as ambitious, vibrant, and deeply caring toward her family. Neighbors and relatives described the atmosphere in the home as tense in the days leading up to the tragedy, citing repeated disputes between father and daughter.
Indian tennis authorities and sports personalities have expressed deep sorrow over Radhika Yadav's loss. Civil society groups in Gurugram are calling for better family counseling resources to prevent domestic conflicts from escalating into violence.
Radhika's mother was seen inconsolable at the cremation, and the family has requested privacy during this time. The police have requested that anyone with information regarding the case come forward to help with the investigation.
References
[1] India Today [2] NDTV [3] The Hindu [4] The Times of India
- The tragic death of Radhika Yadav, a former state-level tennis player from Gurugram, has sparked a discussion about mental health and family conflicts within the realm of sports and health-and-wellness.
- The shooting of Radhika Yadav, a promising tennis talent who was preparing for local tournaments, highlights the rising issue of crime-and-justice in general-news, underscoring the need for stricter firearm regulations.
- The science community is also showing interest in this case, exploring the potential role of social pressure in the escalation of domestic conflicts, as evidenced by Naresh Yadav's reported depression.
- The investigation into Radhika Yadav's murder has brought attention to the need for family counseling resources and conflict resolution strategies, a topic of concern in Haryana's communities and beyond.
