Indian Tennis Player Radhika Yadav Shot Dead by Father Over Social Pressure

In a tragic incident in Gurugram, India, 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, while she was preparing breakfast at home. Police say the father fired five bullets from his licensed revolver—three hit Radhika in the back. She was taken to a local hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

According to police, Deepak Yadav admitted to the crime. He said he was under pressure from people in their hometown who taunted him for living off his daughter’s earnings. Some even questioned her character. He had asked Radhika to shut down her tennis academy, but she refused.

Radhika had opened the academy in Gurugram after an injury ended her professional tennis career. Her growing independence, online presence, and participation in a music video reportedly caused tension within the family. However, police say it was not an “honor killing.”

Radhika’s uncle told police he heard gunshots from the upper floor and found her lying unresponsive in the kitchen with the revolver nearby. Her mother was in another room and said she didn’t witness the incident due to illness.

Radhika had represented India in international tournaments. She was ranked 75th in girls under-18 and 53rd in women’s doubles. After her playing career ended, she coached young talent through her academy.

In a separate incident in Pakistan, a 16-year-old girl was killed by her father in Rawalpindi for refusing to delete her TikTok account. The father fled but was later arrested. The family had initially tried to call the incident a suicide, but later confessed to an “honor killing.”