Tragedy in Gurugram: Rising Tennis Star Radhika Yadav Fatally Shot by Father Over Social Media Post

In a shocking and deeply tragic incident, #RadhikaYadav, a 25-year-old former state-level tennis sensation with a promising career ahead of her, was fatally shot by her father following a heated altercation over a social media video she had posted.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at their family residence in Gurugram’s Sector 57.

Radhika, once ranked among the top 200 in the #InternationalTennisFederation (ITF) women’s doubles circuit, reportedly argued with her father, Deepak Yadav, aged 49, over content she had recently shared on social media. According to preliminary police findings, the dispute quickly escalated beyond control, culminating in a fatal act of violence.

Police officials confirmed that Deepak Yadav, in a fit of rage, used his licensed .32 bore revolver to fire three consecutive shots at his daughter. Severely injured, Radhika was rushed to a nearby private hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts by medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

Station House Officer Rajender Kumar of Sector 56 Police Station stated that the hospital alerted them immediately after Radhika was brought in. However, by the time officers reached the facility, she had already passed away.

“Statements from family members corroborate that the father was responsible for the shooting,” Kumar said, adding that the firearm used in the crime has been recovered from the crime scene. Deepak Yadav has been taken into custody and booked under relevant sections of the IPC.

Initial investigations indicate that Deepak Yadav was enraged by a #socialmedia reel Radhika had recently posted — a video he found inappropriate or objectionable. Sources suggest the argument between the two had been brewing for some time and reached a breaking point on Thursday morning.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, with many expressing grief and disbelief over the untimely loss of a talented young athlete. According to verified data from tenniskhelo.com, Radhika held an ITF women’s doubles ranking of 113 and had competed at international levels with peers such as Poorvi Bhatt and Thaniya Sarai Gogulamanda.

She was also a top performer in state and national-level tournaments. In 2018, Radhika peaked at No. 75 in the #AITA Girls Under-18 category and remained in the Top 100 for over 11 weeks.

Her women’s singles career saw her reach as high as No. 35, while her doubles game climbed to a personal best of No. 53 in 2021, maintaining a Top 100 position for an impressive 112 consecutive weeks.

Within Haryana, Radhika had earned a strong reputation and was ranked No. 5 in the women’s doubles category — a testament to her determination, skill, and potential for a long and successful sporting career.

Her achievements on the court stood in sharp contrast to the personal turmoil that appears to have been building behind closed doors. Friends, former coaches, and colleagues describe Radhika as passionate, hardworking, and deeply committed to her sport.

The Gurugram Police are continuing their investigation, collecting witness statements and awaiting a forensic examination to gather further details. Legal proceedings will proceed based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.

This horrifying incident has reignited conversations around #domesticviolence, parental control, and the generational gap over digital expression. Radhika’s death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise when communication breaks down within families, even those that outwardly appear strong and stable.

As India mourns the loss of yet another young talent, the focus now turns toward justice for Radhika and deeper societal reflection on how we value not just our athletes but the choices and freedoms of our daughters.