Latest news with #Afsar
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Latte Art Champion 2025 hails from Roastery Coffee House
Mohammed Afsar, winner of the National Latte Art Championship 2025 at the India International Coffee Festival (in its third year), is on cloud nine, and for good reason. Not only did he clinch the top title, but all the other four winners were also from his team. Afsar, who currently serves as the National Coffee Mentor for Roastery Coffee House India, will now shift his focus to the World Latte Art Championship to be held in Zurich, Switzerland, in June. What goes into a Latte Art Championship? Think of it like a cooking competition. Your work is not just about the final dish. 'Similarly, in the Latte Art Championship, we're judged on everything — from the setup of our workstation, cleanliness, and organisation to explaining the drink, the brewing method, temperature, technique, and finally, the latte itself,' explains Afsar. 'For this round, I chose designs that reflect the current state of the world.' Baristas from different cities participate in this competition that involves three to four rounds before one reaches the final round. Apart from latte art, the barista is also questioned on his or her understanding of coffee. This is not Afsar's first brush with the spotlight. Representing Roastery since the festival's inception in 2023, he won the championship that year and was the first runner-up in 2024. From server to champion His journey began as a server at Café Coffee Day (CCD) in 2017. 'I was just looking for a job at the time, and CCD hired me,' says Afsar. 'While working, I began learning about service, coffee brews, and customer experience. It sparked my curiosity.' Afsar eventually moved on to a specialty coffee brand, where his understanding of coffee deepened. In 2022, he joined Roastery Coffee House in Delhi as a barista. With no formal training in coffee, he relied on hands-on learning and relentless practice, especially when it came to mastering latte art. 'Everyone wants to jump straight into latte art when they start working at a coffee shop. But it is much more than just making swans and roses in a cup.' Once he felt confident in his latte art skills, he began focusing on the broader nuances of brewing. He credits much of his growth to the mentorship of Nishant Sinha at Roastery. 'Encouragement at work matters. I was supported, and now I want to do the same for my team. Teamwork is a core value at Roastery, and as the coffee mentor, it's something I actively uphold.' With passion, persistence, and a strong work ethic, Afsar's journey from server to national champion is proof that brewing excellence takes more than just good beans — it takes heart. As he prepares for the world championship, Afsar says his focus will be on refining both his art and presentation. 'I'll be representing the country, and I want the world to take notice of India's evolving coffee culture.'
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Time of India
2 ganja smugglers from Maha arrested at Secunderabad railway station
Hyderabad: Two persons from Nashik, Maharashtra, were arrested by the Government Railway Police on Wednesday for smuggling ganja. The police seized 18 kg of contraband from the accused. The arrested accused have been identified as Mubeen Ahmed Raheem Khan and Nafees Afsar Khan, both from Maharashtra. Raheem and Afsar were involved in selling sarees in Manmad. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Police said Atiq lured the other two with the promise of Rs 5,000 for each trip. Atiq, Raheem and Afsar formed a gang and started transporting ganja from Visakhapatnam to Maharashtra. "Raheem and Afsar frequently visited Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and some other places," police added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Police said that Raheem and Afsar had successfully transported ganja by train in the past. A few days ago, the duo went to Visakhapatnam where they were given a trolley bag containing the ganja by a person. "The duo boarded the Nagavali Express train with the bag. But when they saw heavy police deployment at Kazipet, Raheem and Afsar got down and took a bus to Secunderabad railway station as they were planning to catch a train to Manmad," the police said, adding that on suspicion, when the police officers checked the bag, they found the ganja inside. Railway police arrested Raheem and Afsar. Atiq from Maharashtra is absconding, police said.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gladiators 2025: Winners crowned after grand final
Warning: This article contains spoilers The winners of Gladiators 2025 have been crowned after Saturday night's final on BBC One. Gym owner Amanda Wah and gymnastics coach Joe Fishburn were the victors - beating fellow contestants Aneila Afsar, a supply teacher from Manchester, and Mus Dumbuya, a youth worker from east London. Wah, a gym owner from Warrington, beat her fellow North-West contender despite Afsar having a 1.5-second head start in the final challenge, the Eliminator. Fishburn, a gymnastics coach from Scarborough, had a six-second head start on his fellow finalist and finished the course in a record-breaking 0.55 seconds, according to the programme. The 24-year-old Team GB gymnast paid tribute to his grandmother, Christine, who brought him up after his mother died when he was two. "I never had a father figure present and she's done everything for me. I hope you're proud," he said. Despite Afsar's advantage, Wah managed to catch up, and she dedicated her victory minutes to her late mother. Speaking to co-host Bradley Walsh, Wah said: "That one's for you, Mum. This has been the best experience of my life – unbelievable." She said "everyone has been exceptional, especially Aneila who was a great contender". Wah added that it was mentally challenging for her rival "to come in as the fastest runner-up" following the withdrawal of Zavia Hill, a personal trainer from Manchester, who had to leave before the final due to an injury. Afsar previously said she had broken barriers by being the first Muslim woman on the show. Wah said that the 11 weeks of being tackled and pushed by the "superhuman" gladiators was like being on "work experience". She called them the "biggest, fiercest, strongest people but also extremely supportive". She added: "They are professionals and they don't want to hurt anyone. They care and it's amazing." Fishburn said he would put the trophy on his "grandmother Christine's mantelpiece" and called the experience "definitely the best thing I've ever done". He added: "We were in an amazing final, and I felt like I already won coming into this process but obviously it's always nice to complete the whole thing and take the win. "Mus is an amazing opponent, contender, friend, everything he does is so amazing and it was an honour to be in the final with him." Cheering on Fishburn was Roddy Mackay, a contender from 1993, and his family, while Wah on was her girlfriend, two children, friends and family. Gladiators was revived last year on the BBC, with Army officer Finlay Anderson and personal trainer Marie-Louise Nicholson crowned 2024 champions. The show ran on ITV for eight years until 2000 before it was axed, and was then on Sky for a short run from 2008 to 2009. This year, the Gladiators Live Tour will make its global debut across UK arenas. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'Being on Gladiators has changed my life' Excitement for all-North West Gladiators final 'Nothing we can't do': Gladiators' first hijabi contender aims to inspire 'Working in a prison is great preparation for Gladiators'
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gladiators: Joe Fishburn and Amanda Wah win 2025 competition
Warning: This article contains spoilers The winners of Gladiators 2025 have been crowned after Saturday night's final on BBC owner Amanda Wah and gymnastics coach Joe Fishburn were the victors - beating fellow contestants Aneila Afsar, a supply teacher from Manchester, and Mus Dumbuya, a youth worker from east a gym owner from Warrington, beat her fellow North-West contender despite Afsar having a 1.5-second head start in the final challenge, the a gymnastics coach from Scarborough, had a six-second head start on his fellow finalist and finished the course in a record-breaking 0.55 seconds, according to the programme. The 24-year-old Team GB gymnast paid tribute to his grandmother, Christine, who brought him up after his mother died when he was two."I never had a father figure present and she's done everything for me. I hope you're proud," he said. Despite Afsar's advantage, Wah managed to catch up, and she dedicated her victory minutes to her late to co-host Bradley Walsh, Wah said: "That one's for you, Mum. This has been the best experience of my life – unbelievable."She said "everyone has been exceptional, especially Aneila who was a great contender".Wah added that it was mentally challenging for her rival "to come in as the fastest runner-up" following the withdrawal of Zavia Hill, a personal trainer from Manchester, who had to leave before the final due to an previously said she had broken barriers by being the first Muslim woman on the said that the 11 weeks of being tackled and pushed by the "superhuman" gladiators was like being on "work experience".She called them the "biggest, fiercest, strongest people but also extremely supportive".She added: "They are professionals and they don't want to hurt anyone. They care and it's amazing." Fishburn said he would put the trophy on his "grandmother Christine's mantelpiece" and called the experience "definitely the best thing I've ever done".He added: "We were in an amazing final, and I felt like I already won coming into this process but obviously it's always nice to complete the whole thing and take the win."Mus is an amazing opponent, contender, friend, everything he does is so amazing and it was an honour to be in the final with him."Cheering on Fishburn was Roddy Mackay, a contender from 1993, and his family, while Wah on was her girlfriend, two children, friends and family. Gladiators was revived last year on the BBC, with Army officer Finlay Anderson and personal trainer Marie-Louise Nicholson crowned 2024 show ran on ITV for eight years until 2000 before it was axed, and was then on Sky for a short run from 2008 to year, the Gladiators Live Tour will make its global debut across UK arenas. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
