Harish Salve to represent IOA in CAS hearing over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification
Paris: Renowned senior lawyer Harish Salve will represent the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing on Friday regarding the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.
Phogat, 29, was disqualified just hours before her women’s 50kg wrestling gold medal bout for failing to meet the weight requirement by over 100 grams. Despite securing a spot in the final, she was stripped of a podium finish, which had guaranteed her at least a silver medal.
Phogat’s team has appealed to the CAS, seeking to have her awarded a joint-silver medal by maintaining her ranking from day one of the tournament, as she had fairly won the three fights on that day as per the laws. as reported by the Bar and Bench.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set up a dedicated ad hoc division in Paris for handling cases during the Games, under the leadership of Michael Lenard from the United States. The hearing for this case is scheduled to start at 12:30 PM IST (9:00 AM Paris time) on Friday, August 9.
Following her disqualification from the Summer Games final, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Phogat wrote, “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.”
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Terror threat: Security heightened near key religious, heritage sites in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): Security was tightened across key religious and heritage sites in Delhi on Saturday, including areas around the Red Fort and parts of Chandni Chowk, following intelligence inputs suggesting a possible terror threat, an official said.
Security agencies issued an alert on a possible explosion threat near Red Fort, a major tourist destination and high-security zone, after Central intelligence agencies indicated that Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has allegedly kept prominent religious places in India on its target list.
Sources said specific inputs suggested that a temple in the Chandni Chowk area could be among the potential targets.
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While the intelligence inputs are being verified and assessed, security has been stepped up in and around sensitive religious places and crowded public areas, they added.
Intelligence agencies indicated that LeT could be attempting to carry out an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)-based attack. The alleged plan is reportedly linked to attempts by the terror group to avenge the February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, sources said.
Central agencies and Delhi Police units are maintaining close coordination, and surveillance has been intensified through CCTV monitoring, vehicle checks and deployment of additional personnel at vulnerable points. Bomb disposal squads, dog squads and quick reaction teams have also been placed on standby at strategic locations, they added.
The alert comes in the backdrop of the deadly car explosion near the historic Red Fort on November 10, 2025, which killed at least 13 people and injured more than 20 others. The blast occurred when a car loaded with explosives detonated near Gate No 1 of the Red Fort metro station, igniting multiple vehicles nearby and causing panic in the densely populated area.
Security agencies have urged people to remain vigilant and immediately inform police or emergency services about any suspicious objects or activity. However, officials said there is no cause for panic and that the measures are precautionary in nature.
Further intelligence gathering and verification of inputs are underway, an official said.
