Tragic occurrence: Previous tennis player, Radhika Yadav, gunned down by her own father on her mother's birthday.
Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old former state-level tennis player from Gurugram, lost her life in a shocking incident on July 10, 2025. Her father, Naresh Yadav, has been accused of taking her life in a tragic turn of events.
Remembering Radhika
Radhika was remembered by friends as an ambitious, vibrant, and deeply caring individual, particularly towards her family. She had a promising career in tennis, participating in national competitions during her teenage years and preparing to resume training for local tournaments. Radhika was also planning a career in sports coaching.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The incident took place inside the family's kitchen during a reported argument. Naresh Yadav, the father, retrieved a licensed firearm and shot Radhika at close range. As a result, Radhika died instantly.
Naresh Yadav was apprehended by Haryana Police hours after committing the crime. He has been charged with murder and illegal use of a firearm.
Investigation and Motives
Forensic teams are examining the crime scene, and further interrogation is underway to determine the exact motive for the crime. Initial reports suggest that Naresh Yadav confessed to killing Radhika due to repeated arguments regarding her running a tennis academy and her active presence on social media.
However, these stated reasons have been called into question. Some sources suggest that the motive is "bogus and false" and that the real reasons are more complex, possibly involving other interpersonal dynamics. The emergence of a years-old music video and allegations of ongoing familial disputes further complicate the picture.
A Call for Change
Civil society groups in Gurugram are calling for better family counseling resources to prevent domestic conflicts from escalating into violence. Indian tennis authorities and sports personalities have also expressed deep sorrow over Radhika's death and called for greater mental health support and awareness within families.
A Grieving Family
Radhika's mother was seen inconsolable at the cremation, while neighbors and relatives described the home as tense in the days leading up to the tragedy due to repeated disputes between father and daughter. It is reported that Radhika was making arrangements for a surprise birthday celebration for her mother at the time of the shooting.
This tragic incident has left the tennis community and Radhika's friends and family in mourning. Radhika Yadav's life and career were cut short in a senseless act of violence, and her memory will live on as a shining example of ambition, determination, and love.
[1] IndiaTV News, (2025). Radhika Yadav Murder: Father Naresh Yadav Confesses to Killing Daughter Over Tennis Academy and Social Media Activity. [online] Available at: https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/radhika-yadav-murder-father-naresh-yadav-confesses-to-killing-daughter-over-tennis-academy-and-social-media-activity-769489
[2] ESPN, (2025). Radhika Yadav Murder: Motive Behind Shocking Killing Unclear as Investigation Continues. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.in/tennis/story/_/id/33742539/radhika-yadav-murder-motive-behind-shocking-killing-unclear-investigation-continues
[3] News18, (2025). Radhika Yadav Murder: Family Dispute, Social Pressure, and Modern vs. Traditional Clash - The Alleged Motives Behind the Tragic Incident. [online] Available at: https://www.news18.com/news/crime/radhika-yadav-murder-family-dispute-social-pressure-and-modern-vs-traditional-clash-the-alleged-motives-behind-the-tragic-incident-7694761.html
- The sports community and Radhika Yadav's friends express deep sorrow over her loss, calling for greater mental health support and awareness within families.
- As the investigation into Radhika Yadav's murder continues, it becomes apparent that her father's confession of killing her over her tennis academy and social media activity may not be the full story, with complicated interpersonal dynamics and familial disputes emerging as potential motives.
- In response to this tragic incident, civil society groups in Gurugram call for better family counseling resources to prevent domestic conflicts from escalating into violence.
- Despite the health-and-wellness benefits associated with sports, the tragic death of Radhika Yadav underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and fostering positive relationships, especially within families.
