In a shocking crime, a young national-level tennis player named Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her father in Gurugram after being taunted for “living off her income.” The incident highlights the tragic consequences of patriarchal pressures and social media scrutiny.
Image: NDTV Sports
Tennis Player Killed by Father in Gurugram After Family Dispute Over Earnings
Gurugram was rocked by a horrific incident on Wednesday as a national-level tennis player was shot dead by her father in what appears to be a fatal outcome of long-standing family tensions. According to police reports, the incident stemmed from an argument over the father being mocked online for depending on his daughter’s earnings.
The Incident: A Tragic Turn
The victim Radhika Yadav, a promising 20-year-old athlete who had represented Haryana in multiple state and national-level tennis championships, was reportedly involved in a heated argument with her father, 58-year-old Ramesh Kumar, at their residence in Sector 45, Gurugram.
Neighbors told police they heard gunshots around 9:30 PM and found the young woman critically injured. She was rushed to the hospital but declared dead on arrival.
“The victim had posted on social media recently about being the sole earner. This appears to have triggered the father, who felt humiliated,” said a senior police officer.
Motive Tied to Patriarchal Ego and Social Pressure
Police investigations suggest that Ramesh Kumar, a retired schoolteacher, was often taunted by relatives and neighbors for depending financially on his daughter. A recent social media post by the tennis player — interpreted as indirectly criticizing her father — became the final straw.
Family members have confirmed that Ramesh had a fragile temper and had previously objected to her athletic career and financial independence.
“He believed men should be the breadwinners. He couldn’t handle the shift in dynamics,” said a relative, under condition of anonymity.
Legal Action and Public Reaction
Ramesh Kumar has been arrested and booked under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. He has confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation, stating that he acted in a moment of “blinding rage and humiliation.”
The incident has sparked public outrage and discussions online about toxic masculinity, generational ego, and the lack of mental health support in Indian households.
Women’s rights groups have also called for systemic interventions to protect young, financially independent women from domestic violence.
The Athlete Who Dreamed Big
The deceased had earned a name for herself on the junior tennis circuit and was hoping to compete internationally. Her coaches and peers described her as “disciplined, determined, and deeply passionate about the sport.”
Radhika’s untimely death has not only devastated the sporting community but also opened a broader conversation about the safety and mental health of high-performing women in Indian society.
