Neeraj Chopra had advocated for support as Arshad Nadeem struggled to acquire new javelin
Paris: In a much awaited Olympic final, Neeraj Chopra of India and Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan made history on the javelin throw podium. While Chopra secured a silver medal, the spotlight was on Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters, winning Pakistan's first-ever individual gold medal at the Olympics. India’s Neeraj Chopra, who won silver, had a throw of 89.45 meters, his season best.
However, in March 2024, just five months before this remarkable achievement, Nadeem was struggling to acquire a new javelin. He was using the same one for nearly eight years. Despite his stature in the sport, the lack of proper equipment threatened to undermine his Olympic ambitions.
Neeraj Chopra had back then stepped in and made a heartfelt plea for support, highlighting the importance of providing top athletes like Nadeem with the necessary equipment to compete at the highest level.
Chopra's appeal highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two athletes, even as they prepared to compete at the highest level.
Chopra's silver medal, though an improvement on his qualification throw, was not enough to surpass Nadeem's astonishing feat, marking the first time the Indian star lost to Nadeem in their ten encounters.
The event will be remembered not just for the fierce competition but also for the sportsmanship that both the athletes have showcased.
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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.
