Latest news with #Afraz
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Two million meals and counting
Ready to help: The Food Aid Foundation sprung into action during the floods that ravaged Kelantan last year, providing both hot meals and dry food items. PETALING JAYA: From warehouse shelves to dinner tables, the Food Aid Foundation is moving faster and smarter than ever. Since being named as one of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winners last year, the foundation has delivered surplus food worth RM12.3mil, equivalent to more than two million meals to communities across Malaysia. On top of that, funding from the award allowed it to manage daily operations more efficiently, enabling improved food sorting and storage, reducing spoilage and improving turnaround. 'Being a winner of the SGHA was a turning point. It did more than affirm that we were on the right path. 'It opened doors we previously could not access. 'Public interest grew, new partners reached out and there was greater awareness around the issues we tackle daily, including food waste, hunger and poverty,' said general manager Afraz Said. She said more than 80 individuals from low-income groups had received culinary and entrepreneurship training with support from a corporate sponsor. 'Several participants even launched small food businesses. The SGHA indirectly supported this effort by easing operational burdens such as kitchen upkeep and transportation,' she said in an interview. The foundation has also expanded its entrepreneurship training programme to Kelantan, with the goal of bringing it to more states. Afraz said the SGHA helped the foundation to maintain a small emergency reserve, which came in handy during the floods that struck Kelantan late last year. 'We were able to act quickly and provide food relief. Even modest flexibility can make a big difference during crises,' Afraz said, noting that the foundation also worked with Star Media Group for the Food for Soul 2.0 initiative to feed needy families during Ramadan. Sustainability, however, remains the foundation's biggest challenge. 'Before this, we often faced tough choices like being stuck between either fixing a vehicle or running a training session. 'The award did not remove these pressures but gave us some breathing space. 'We used the funds to cover essential expenses such as fuel, vehicle repairs, kitchen maintenance and warehouse operations,' she said, adding that rising demand is another challenge. 'Since the Covid-19 pandemic and with the rising cost of living, more families are seeking help. 'We responded by working smarter, building stronger systems and leaning into partnerships that focus not only on food relief but also long-term community empowerment,' Afraz added. The SGHA returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
Express Tribune
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak qualify for FIH Nations Cup final
Pakistan players celebrate after scoring a goal in their FIH Nations Cup semifinal against France at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. PHOTO: FIH Pakistan displayed an outstanding performance in the FIH Nations Cup as they defeated France in penalty shootout 3-2 after two sides remained tied at the National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman blocked three France chances, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Afraz struck for Pakistan to clinch a highly-rewarding victory. The green shirts will face either New Zealand or Korea in the summit clash on Saturday. The two teams remained inseparable after enthralling four quarters as the scoreline was tied at 3-3 at the full time. The high-stakes clash got off to a nervy start as the two sides barred each other from scoring the opener in the first quarter. Pakistan got one penalty corner, while France had four. The Blues eventually broke the shackles in the second quarter through Xavier Esmenjaud, who breached Pakistan's defence to score a sensational field goal in the 25th minute. France doubled their lead just four minutes into the third quarter through Victory Charlet. Pakistan then staged an astounding comeback by netting three goals within five minutes to head into the final quarter with a 3-2 lead. Afraz netted Pakistan's first goal after a precise assist by Rana Waheed Ashraf in the seventh minute of the penultimate quarter. The green shirts then survived a major scare when the referee ruled out France's penalty corner after a VAR review. Seconds later, Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner, courtesy of a foul from a French defender. The penalty corner was successfully converted by Sufyan Khan, drawing the two sides level at 2-2. The green shirts, fuelled with momentum, secured the lead through Muhammad Hammadudin, which remained intact until the conclusion of the penultimate quarter. The green shirts then tried to prevent France from scoring the equaliser by passing each other until a foul from their defender with just three minutes of action left gave the Blues a crucial penalty corner, which Charlet commandingly converted to neutralise Pakistan's lead. Pakistan had a vital opportunity to score the tiebreaker in the 59th minute as they got a penalty corner, which was burnt by Sufyan Khan as he hit a France defender in the process. Lamentable as Pak players deprived of allowances Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has publicly voiced his frustration over the lack of financial support, revealing that players have yet to receive their daily allowances despite reaching the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Cup. Speaking on behalf of his teammates, Ammad raised a heartfelt concern that mirrors the long-standing struggle of Pakistan's national sport. "Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey?" Ammad questioned, drawing a stark comparison between the country's cricket obsession and the declining fortunes of hockey. "Do our politicians care about the national sport? Do ministers take an interest in the game that once brought Olympic gold to this country? Businessmen spend crores on cricket leagues, but when it comes to hockey, there's no budget," he lamented.
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
FIH Nations Cup: Pakistan into final after beating France on penalties
Pakistan advanced to the final of the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup after defeating France 3–2 in a tense penalty shootout, following a 3–3 draw in regular time at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 20. The match delivered drama in every quarter, as both teams traded goals and momentum in a gripping semi-final showdown. Pakistan now moves to the final, where it will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Korea and New Zealand. Pakistan 🇵🇰 defeated France 🇨🇵 in the shootouts and qualified for the final. Semi final of FIH Nations Cup!!! 💯🔥❤️ — Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) June 20, 2025 The opening quarter ended goalless despite four penalty corners for France, who finally broke through in the 25th minute with a sharp field goal by Xavier Esmenjaud. Victor Charlet added a second for Les Bleus shortly after half-time, leaving Pakistan with a two-goal deficit. What followed was a spirited response from the Green Shirts. In a five-minute period during the third quarter, Afraz ignited the comeback by converting a cross from Rana Waheed Ashraf. Moments later, Sufyan Khan equalised with a well-placed drag flick off a penalty corner. Muhammad Hammadudin then capped the turnaround with a close-range finish, putting Pakistan 3–2 ahead going into the final quarter. France pressed hard and were rewarded in the dying minutes when Charlet converted another penalty corner to level the scores. Pakistan had a late opportunity to clinch the game from a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but Sufyan Khan's attempt was blocked. With the match deadlocked at 3–3, the contest was settled in a penalty shootout. Pakistan held their nerve to edge France 3–2 in the tie-breaker. Afraz, Shahid Hannan and Rana Waheed Ashraf all converted their efforts, while goalkeeper Hammadudin Muhammad made a crucial save to seal the win. The victory sees Pakistan book their place in the final of the 2024–25 Nations Cup and renews hope for their resurgence on the global stage. Final will be held on June 21 in Kuala Lumpur.
