Gurugram Horror: National-Level Tennis Player Fatally Shot by Father Amid Family Tensions

In a deeply disturbing incident that has shaken the city of Gurugram, a young national-level tennis player, 25-year-old Radhika Yadav, was tragically shot and killed by her own father inside their home. The shocking event unfolded in the upscale Sushant Lok area and has sparked conversations about societal pressure, patriarchal control, and the mental strain within families when ambition and tradition collide.

A Life of Promise

Radhika Yadav was more than just a promising tennis player—she was a mentor, coach, and a symbol of modern, independent womanhood. Having represented India in international tennis tournaments, Radhika had recently turned her attention to coaching younger athletes and promoting the sport among local children. Friends and neighbors describe her as focused, driven, and generous with her time.

But behind the accolades and Instagram reels was a growing tension at home—one that would ultimately turn deadly.

The Day Everything Changed

According to police, the incident occurred in the late morning hours while Radhika was reportedly in the kitchen preparing food. Without warning, her father, Deepak Yadav, approached her from behind and fired multiple rounds from his licensed revolver. Three of the bullets struck her fatally.

Her mother, who was inside the house at the time, initially believed the sound was from a gas stove or pressure cooker. It wasn’t until she entered the room that she was faced with the horrifying sight of her daughter lying motionless in a pool of blood.

Motive: Pride, Pressure, and Patriarchy?

Authorities say that Deepak confessed to the killing shortly after his arrest. His statements have been inconsistent, but what has emerged is a disturbing picture of a man battling social shame and personal frustration.

Sources close to the family revealed that Deepak felt increasingly “humiliated” by comments from neighbors, who allegedly mocked him for living off his daughter’s earnings. Radhika, being the primary breadwinner, had been running coaching camps and maintaining the household, while Deepak—who had lost his job years earlier—remained financially dependent on her.

This power shift reportedly bruised his ego. His discomfort seemed to grow over time, especially with Radhika’s lifestyle choices—her independence, her clothing, her social circle. Despite her success and contribution to the family, some relatives claimed he viewed her autonomy as defiance.

An Ongoing Mental Decline

In the two weeks leading up to the shooting, family members and friends noticed Deepak’s behavior becoming more erratic. He often brought up being “dishonored” by people outside and inside the family. At one point, he is said to have told a relative that he felt “finished as a man” because he was “running the house on his daughter’s money.”

Several heated arguments reportedly took place in the home, especially over Radhika’s refusal to stop coaching or alter her lifestyle. Those close to her say she stood her ground, committed to her work and personal freedom.

Aftermath and Arrest

Deepak Yadav was arrested at the scene without resistance. He reportedly broke down during initial questioning and expressed guilt, telling relatives that he deserved the harshest punishment. The revolver used in the crime has been seized, and police are conducting forensic analysis as part of the investigation.

An autopsy confirmed multiple bullet wounds in the upper body, and authorities are also probing whether the murder was premeditated or the result of a sudden psychological breakdown.

A Community in Shock

News of Radhika’s death has devastated the local community. Tributes have poured in from sports organizations, former trainees, and fellow players. Many are grappling with the stark reality of how toxic masculinity, societal judgment, and mental health neglect can lead to unimaginable consequences.

Residents of the Sushant Lok neighborhood, once proud of the young star in their midst, are now mourning the tragic loss of a life full of promise. Meanwhile, voices across the country are calling for greater awareness around the emotional and societal pressures that can exist within families—especially when daughters rise to lead in ways society is still learning to accept.