Google searches for “Radhika Yadav” have spiked overnight. Until yesterday she was best known as Haryana’s rising tennis phenomenon, ranked No. 113 in ITF doubles and running a fledgling academy for youngsters. On the morning of 10 July 2025, her own father allegedly shot her dead at their Gurugram home, turning a success story into a national reckoning on patriarchy, mental health, and women’s safety.
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| image credit: x. social media. |
1. Quick Facts & Timeline
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Radhika Yadav |
| Date of Birth | 23 March 2000 |
| Hometown | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Peak ITF Doubles Ranking | 113 (4 Nov 2024) |
| National Singles Rank | 35 (AITA) |
| Academy Founded | Yadav Tennis Hub, Gurugram (2023) |
| Date of Death | 10 July 2025, age 2 |
2. A Meteoric Rise Through the Ranks
Radhika’s tennis story began at Scottish High International School, where weekend coaching sessions soon turned into six‑hour training days. By late teens she was competing on Asia’s ITF circuit, logging 36 singles and 7 doubles matches before a shoulder injury nudged her towards doubles specialization and later coaching. Her instinctive net play, precise returns, and ability to read opponents earned praise from senior coaches, while her calm courtside demeanour made her a role model for younger girls.
3. Beyond the Baseline: Building a Community Academy
Instead of chasing full‑time WTA glory, Radhika pivoted to social entrepreneurship in 2023, launching a modest academy in Sector 56, Gurugram. She subsidized fees for under‑privileged girls and ran weekend clinics on nutrition and mental fitness. Locals recall her cycling to practice at dawn, racquets strapped on her back. For many Haryana parents, she symbolized safe, respectable daughters’ sporting careers—until patriarchal fault lines cracked at home.
4. The Tragedy of 10 July 2025: What Happened?
At 10:30 AM, while Radhika was cooking breakfast, her father Deepak entered the kitchen and allegedly fired five rounds from his licensed .32‑bore revolver; three bullets struck her back, killing her instantly. Initial rumours blamed a dispute over Instagram reels, but Gurugram Police later revealed deeper resentment: Deepak felt “mocked” for living on his daughter’s earnings and opposed her academy’s public profile. He has been arrested under IPC Section 302 (murder) after her uncle filed an FIR.
6. Reactions: From Courts to Parliament
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Sports Fraternity: The All India Tennis Association called her death “an immeasurable loss” and urged a swift review of gun licensing.
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Athletes: Peers on social media, including Ankita Raina and Sania Mirza, posted tributes using the hashtag #ServeForRadhika.
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Policy Makers: Haryana’s Women & Child Development Department announced emergency counselling hotlines and proposed mandatory awareness workshops in sports academies.
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Civil Society Groups: Feminist collectives are planning candle‑light marches across Delhi‑NCR to coincide with World Population Day vigils.
(Statements compiled from public press releases and verified social‑media posts on 11 July 2025.)
7. Lessons & Action Points
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Destigmatize Female Financial Independence – Domestic violence often festers when women become primary earners. Community dialogue programs can help reshape perceived gender roles.
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Gun‑Safety Reform – Deepak held a licensed weapon; advocates now seek stricter mental‑health screening for firearm renewals.
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Athlete Welfare Cells – National sporting bodies must expand family‑mediation and counselling for rising stars who juggle fame and home pressure.
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Celebrate, Don’t Silence – Share Radhika’s achievements, mentor girls in sports, and speak up when you witness gender‑based taunts.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who was Radhika Yadav?
A: A 25‑year‑old tennis player from Gurugram, ranked 113 in ITF doubles and 35 nationally in singles. She also coached young athletes at her academy.
Q2: What exactly happened on 10 July 2025?
A: Police report her father shot her five times—apparently over resentment about her academy and family finances—leading to her instant death.
Q3: Was social media a factor?
A: Early rumours suggested Instagram reels caused friction, but investigators now say the motive was deeper financial and social insecurity.
Q4: What legal action has been taken?
A: Deepak Yadav is in custody under IPC 302. The revolver has been seized, and a fast‑track court hearing is expected by August 2025.
Q5: How can I help?
A: Support local women’s sports programs, donate to domestic‑violence helplines, and amplify the #ServeForRadhika campaign to keep her legacy alive.
Final Thoughts
Radhika Yadav’s story is devastating, yet her legacy can inspire systemic change. On World Population Day, let’s pledge to create homes, clubs, and societies where a daughter’s success is celebrated—not feared. May her courageous serve live on in every girl who steps onto a tennis court tomorrow.
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