Making excuses is where India will win gold medal: Sunil Gavaskar
New Delhi: Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen following his defeat in the Bronze Medal match at the Paris Olympics. Gavaskar echoed the sentiments of former badminton star Prakash Padukone, who had earlier expressed disappointment over the mentality of Indian athletes in high-pressure situations.
Padukone had remarked that while federations and the government had done their part to support the athletes, the responsibility to deliver ultimately lay with the players. Gavaskar supported this view, stating that "making excuses is where our country will win gold medals every single time." He further said that it was the lack of mental toughness that led to Sen's downfall at a crucial moment.
Gavaskar also highlighted the importance of mental training, noting that focus and concentration are essential qualities that athletes must develop on their own. He added that while mind trainers can assist, the inner resolve must come from the athletes themselves.
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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.
