“One day you say you love her, the next you kill her.”
These haunting words echo the profound shock and sorrow surrounding the death of Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old national-level tennis player, who was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, in their Gurgaon home.
A Star in the Making
Born on March 23, 2000, Radhika Yadav was a name gaining momentum in Indian tennis. A state-level athlete who had represented Haryana and India, she reached:
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No. 75 in the Girls Under-18 category,
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No. 53 in Women’s Doubles, and
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No. 35 in Women’s Singles on the All India Tennis Association (AITA) circuit.
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On the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit, she had a ranking of 113.
Despite a career-altering injury two years ago, Radhika pivoted gracefully. She began coaching at a private academy, provided personal training to high-profile clients, and had dreams of building her name as a social media influencer.
Life Beyond the Court: Social Media & Music
With charm, drive, and confidence, Radhika embraced the digital world. She frequently posted Instagram reels about her life and work. In 2023, she starred in a music video titled “Karwaan” by artist INAAM, produced by LLF Records.
While the video showcased her evolving identity beyond sports, it allegedly became a point of conflict at home. Her growing public presence and financial independence, particularly as she became the breadwinner for the family, reportedly triggered tensions.
The Murder: A Tragic Climax to Long-Standing Tensions
On July 4, 2025, as Radhika was preparing food for her mother’s birthday, her father, Deepak Yadav, allegedly took his licensed revolver and fired five bullets—three of which struck Radhika in the back, killing her instantly.
He later confessed to the police that he was deeply distressed by taunts from neighbors about living off his daughter’s income, and could no longer bear the shame.
Police arrested him the same evening. An FIR has been registered based on the complaint of Radhika’s uncle, Kuldeep Yadav.
Who was Radhika Yadav? All You Need to Know About Her
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Radhika Yadav |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 2000 |
| Age at Death | 25 years |
| Profession | Tennis Player, Coach, Content Creator |
| Highest AITA Ranking | #35 (Singles), #53 (Doubles), #75 (U18 Girls) |
| ITF Ranking | 113 |
| Coaching Role | Private academy coach and personal trainer |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram, appeared in music video “Karwaan” |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approx ₹15–20 Lakhs (based on coaching & endorsements) |
| Cause of Death | Shot by her father over domestic and financial disputes |
Remembering Radhika
Radhika Yadav was more than a tennis player. She was an aspiring mentor, a creative spirit, and a pillar of her household. Her tragic death has not only shocked the sports community but has also sparked conversations about patriarchy, financial insecurity, and the fragility of familial relationships in the face of social pressure.
As her students and peers gathered at her Gurgaon home to mourn, one visitor said it best:
“She was sweet, vivacious, and truly talented. She didn’t deserve this.”
What Comes Next?
The investigation into her murder continues, with calls for justice growing louder across the tennis and influencer communities. Meanwhile, many are left wondering how a young woman so full of promise could be cut down—not by accident, not by illness—but allegedly by the very man who once claimed to love her.
