Neeraj Chopra Breaks Silence on Radhika Yadav Murder, Says Dreams Need Support, Not Restrictions

India lost a brilliant star inside her own house, not in combat or a terrible accident. On July 10, 2025, Radhika Yadav, once a celebrated name in state and national tennis, was shot dead in Gurugram by her father. What was her "crime"? Besides tennis, she was pursuing her dream of becoming a social media influencer.

Who Was Radhika Yadav?

Radhika Yadav was more than just a tennis player. She was a fighter, a dreamer, and a girl with a spark that inspired many. Radhika was from Haryana, a state known for producing many top-level athletes. She proudly represented both her state and country in several tennis tournaments, where she won medals and praise for her powerful game. 

What Happened on July 10?

Radhika was at home in Gurugram on a quiet Thursday afternoon, not knowing that her life was about to end most horribly. Her father, who was said to be angry about her social media use, especially her video reels, confronted her. What happened next was worse than anyone could have imagined: he pulled out a gun and shot her three times in cold blood. They quickly took Radhika to a private hospital. Doctors did everything they could, but she died from her injuries. She was only 25. 

Neeraj Chopra Speaks Out: A Voice of Support

Neeraj Chopra, an Olympic gold medalist and javelin star from India, couldn't stay quiet about this tragedy. 

He said this during a meeting with the press:

Earlier, I discussed this with a few people. Haryana has produced some incredible female athletes who have brought honour to their nation. Families should support one another. Instead of silencing or punishing girls who are succeeding, we should encourage and celebrate them.

The Deep-Rooted Problem: Control Over Women's Choices

The events that befell Radhika were not unique. It reflects a more serious problem: men's dominance over women's decisions. Women are constantly under pressure to "behave" according to outdated family or societal expectations, whether in terms of clothing, careers, marriage, or social media. What Radhika did isn't a trustworthy source of shame. The people who could have helped her but chose not to do so are the trustworthy source of shame.

What Now?

• Radhika cannot be brought back. However, we can ensure that no other daughter suffers the same fate.
• We must teach families that their daughters are not their property.
• Honour women's digital freedom just as much as we honour their academic or athletic accomplishments.
• Take prompt legal action against those who kill people in the name of "honour" to ensure justice.