Sorry for what happened, but we have to follow rules: UWW Chief on Vinesh Phogat disqualification
New Delhi: As the wrestling world waits for the outcome of Vinesh Phogat's appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic addressed the controversy surrounding her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Speaking to NDTV, Lalovic expressed his sympathy for Phogat, who was disqualified just before her gold medal bout for being 100 grams over the required 50kg weight limit.
Lalovic explained that while the situation was unfortunate, UWW had no choice but to enforce the rules. "I am so sorry for what happened, but no matter the size of your country, athletes are athletes. This weigh-in was public, everyone saw what happened. How can we allow someone to compete when we all saw what happened? We don't have any other choice but to follow our rules," he said.
He emphasized that the rule was introduced for the health of athletes and noted that UWW is guided by its medical commission, which strongly opposes any changes to the current regulations. Despite the appeal, Lalovic indicated that there was little chance of the decision being overturned.
Phogat, who had already reached the final, is appealing for a joint silver medal, although there is no provision for this under current rules. India continues to wait for CAS's decision, with hopes still alive for a favorable outcome.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
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.
ALSO READ: Artificial intelligence, hologram tech bring 'Arjuna', 'Lord Krishna' at AI Summit
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.
