New Delhi: Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has expressed profound grief over the tragic murder of 25-year-old national tennis player Radhika Yadav, who was allegedly shot dead by her father following a dispute over her decision to run a tennis academy. The incident has sparked national outrage, with Chopra urging families to uplift and celebrate women athletes instead of suppressing their ambitions.
Chopra, speaking on the matter, said the tragedy is a stark reminder of the barriers female athletes still face despite their achievements. “We already have excellent examples of female athletes from Haryana doing wonders for the country,” he said. “In families, you should support each other. Women athletes who are doing well should be idolised and followed, not silenced.”
Radhika Yadav was killed on Thursday at her family’s home in the upscale Sushant Lok area of Gurugram. According to police, her father, Deepak Yadav, allegedly shot her multiple times after an argument escalated. He was arrested shortly after the incident and remanded to one-day police custody by a local court, which described the case as “serious” and in need of a thorough investigation.
Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, told police that her husband had become increasingly controlling and resentful of their daughter’s independence and success. Despite her daughter’s efforts to build a tennis academy from the ground up, Deepak allegedly insisted that she shut it down. Investigators believe that a remark from someone in their village — implying that Deepak was profiting from his daughter’s success — may have further triggered the fatal confrontation.
According to the FIR filed by Radhika’s uncle, the young athlete was shot in the chest while her mother was in another part of the house. She died on the spot. The autopsy confirmed that Radhika was shot four times, with three bullets recovered from her body.
Police have ruled out motives related to honour killing or romantic relationships. Instead, the investigation is focused on family dynamics, mental health concerns, and financial disputes as possible contributing factors.
The murder has sent shockwaves through India’s sporting community and raised urgent questions about the safety and freedom of women athletes. Radhika, known for her dedication and rising stature in Indian tennis, had been seen as a promising talent with a bright future ahead.
Neeraj Chopra’s call for greater support for women in sports resonates across a nation still grappling with traditional mindsets. “Tragedies like this should never happen,” he said. “We need to support and celebrate the dreams of our daughters — not destroy them.”
As the investigation continues, many hope that Radhika’s story becomes a catalyst for change, ensuring that female athletes are encouraged, protected, and empowered in every household across the country.
