Latest news with #Mahir
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
On top of the world: Richards Bay runner tackles Mt Everest
On top of the world: Richards Bay runner tackles Mt Everest Richards Bay's Mahir Dev Maharaj recently returned after conquering an Everest Base camp trek, and shared his journey with the ZO. Mahir (27), who works in innovation-focused businesses, became passionate about endurance sports in 2023 through running. 'It's become a way for me to challenge myself and grow both mentally and physically,' he said. Last year, on his first proper hike, his group spoke about doing Everest Base Camp this year. 'I got excited and felt like this was the kind of opportunity that doesn't come around often, a chance to go with a diverse and motivated group, so I committed,' he said. Mahir joined the 14-member group Team North: South, consisting of six hikers from the north coast, seven from the south coast, and one from Johannesburg. To prepare, they hiked Tugela Falls in March to adjust to elevation. Mahir also ran the South32 Hippo Marathon on 5 April as a Comrades qualifier and will be doing his second Comrades this year. 'I mostly relied on the running fitness and hoped it would carry over to trekking,' he said. The group started hiking on 16 April, arrived at base camp on 22 April and returned to Lukla on the 25th. Although an 11-day hike was planned, they ended up doing a 10-day trek, due to their first flight being cancelled and missing a day. 'The nights and early mornings were the coldest, definitely close to -20 C degrees. 'Stepping outside with the wind chill felt terrifying. Thankfully, our trek was filled with sunny days, but were surrounded by ice at base camp,' says Mahir. 'The altitude was the biggest challenge. 'We lost a day early on, which meant missing an acclimatisation stop, and that led to nausea and a tough time eating. We had to drink three to five litres of water a day and force down food to keep going. 'It got harder the higher we climbed. 'I never tipped into full altitude sickness, but I was definitely fighting the edge. 'Getting to base camp took real effort.' One highlight was trekking with Sherpa Chetten (27), an assistant guide who stayed upfront with Mahir and his friend for most of the trek. 'His pace pushed us and we fed off that challenge. The best moment was during the descent from base camp – we were running downhill and, for once, Chetten asked us to slow down. We'd finally moved faster than him. That felt good! 'There was never a thought of giving up. 'I always knew I would make it.' While he said it hadn't been a lifelong dream, having accomplished this he now includes summitting Everest on his bucket list. Speaking about her son's accomplishment, Lorna Maharaj said it was a 'storm of pride, fear and awe'. 'What moved me deeply was the camaraderie, the connections built in the harshest conditions. It reminded me of the power of human spirit and unity. 'It truly warmed my heart to see Mahir embraced by such a remarkable community, one that stood together, step by step, toward a common summit,' she said. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘We had Pahalgam victims in our mind': Amidst conflict, J&K teenagers win Khelo India volleyball gold
Bilal Ahmed stepped onto the volleyball court in Patliputra on Thursday to 'play the biggest match of his career'. The teenager's thoughts, however, were with his family in Poonch, where Pakistan had resorted to heavy artillery fire, targeting the civilian population. Ahmed barely slept a wink the previous night and spent tense hours leading up to the 5 pm game. An hour later, he stood on the podium with a gold medal around his neck and tears in his eyes — Jammu and Kashmir defeated Uttar Pradesh 3-1 to be crowned Khelo India Youth Games champions. 'Tension thi bohot zyada (I was very tense). I was worried about everything that was happening there (in Poonch). But still, I tried focussing on the game because at that moment, it was also a very important thing for me and all my teammates. Somehow, I handled the situation,' Bilal, 17, told The Indian Express. Bilal, whose father Mushtaq is with the J&K Police, grew up in Poonch, barely 5 km from the India-Pakistan border. On Wednesday night, the Jammu town was the worst hit as Pakistan escalated the cease-fire violations along the Line of Control. Artillery shells hit residential and government buildings, as well as public spaces, resulting in loss of lives. Bilal said his family had to leave their home and move to safer places in Jammu. 'My parents, full family, live there. In the middle of the night, suddenly, there were attacks. My family escaped without any harm, but the thought of their well-being was constantly on my mind,' Bilal said. 'I told myself, 'you can't change the situation there. What you can do is give your all on the court'. I thought it would bring some respite to the people.' The 6'5'-tall middle blocker's initiation to volleyball was purely accidental — a local coach in Poonch noticed him, rather his height, at a wedding and asked him if playing volleyball would interest him. 'I was young with no concrete career plans, so I decided to give it a try,' Bilal said. Within a few years, he became a part of a J&K team that had exited in the pool stage of the previous Khelo India Youth Games. This year, too, their chances looked bleak, given the volatile situation in the Valley after the terror attack in Pahalgam. The team's captain, Wani Mahir, said it was 'very tough to focus on the sport' following the terror attack. However, the team management gathered the players from different parts of J&K — from Poonch to Srinagar, Anantnag to Ganderbal and Baramulla — and set up a 10-day camp in Jammu. The help we received from our administration and the inputs from our coaches were crucial,' Mahir said. 'The camp helped us focus completely on our game, and we entered the competition better prepared than before.' Mahir, a 6'7'-tall middle-blocker, added 'people back home wanted something to feel motivated again, something they could be proud of, no matter how big or small an achievement'. 'And we just wanted to do that.' After winning the final point, from an UP serve that crashed into the net, the J&K players broke into wild, emotional celebrations. Soon after those scenes of jubilation, there was a quiet reflection on the last two weeks. 'Ek side se jo hua hai, woh mayusi ki baat hai. Woh insaniyat pe hamla hua hai. (On one hand, what happened (in Pahalgam) was devastating. It was an attack on humanity),' Wani, who hails from Srinagar, said. 'On the other hand, we won, and we did celebrate the win. But even in those celebrations, we had all the victims of the attack in our mind and heart.' Wani is now in Bangalore, appearing for the Team India selection trials. His teammate Bilal is on his way back to Jammu, where he will be reunited with his family. 'However, I won't be able to go home just yet,' he said. The sadness in his voice made way for hope. 'We are the first team from J&K to win a gold medal in volleyball. Who knows, maybe some kid somewhere might get inspired to pick up a ball.'
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- The Citizen
Richards Bay climber rocks Mount Everest
ASCENDING the highest peak in the world, Richards Bay resident Mahir Dev Maharaj reached Everest Base Camp on Tuesday — 5 364m above sea level. Mahir (27), a Zululand Multi Sport Club member, is part of the 14-member group Team North: ALSO READ: Moderate injuries in N2 single-vehicle accident South, consisting of six hikers from the north coast, seven from the south coast, and one from Johannesburg. The group began their 11-day Mount Everest trek last Tuesday and reached Dingboche by Easter Sunday. That was day five of their trek and they sighted an avalanche on a distant mountain. One of the Nepalese mountain guides was seen carrying an impressive weight of 93kg on his back. 'I'm biting my teeth!' said Mahir's mother, Lorna Maharaj, who waited anxiously to hear of their safe arrival at base camp — knowing it would be a tough climb and the air dangerously thin. 'As a mom, I really have great relationships with both my sons. I have a lot of faith in Mahir – I was biting my teeth but I know he will succeed. 'It's been really tough and rough!' she said about the journey so far, but added that she was incredibly proud of what he had conquered. 'I had faith in him to do this – when he sets his mind on something, he succeeds.' For health reasons, the group made an informed decision to not go further, to Kala Patthar (5 644m above sea level) and began their descent on Wednesday. 'Reaching the top of the world – it's a wonder to able to stand that tall. Mahir is always reaching for the stars, his endurance and determination have fuelled him to aim high. 'What makes me proud of my boys is that they are living their dreams,' said a proud Lorna. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The 21st Dubai Woodshow kicks off, highlighting innovation in the wood industry
Aligns with Dubai's Climate Action Plan and the vision for a green and sustainable wood industry Showcases over 1,662 brands across multiple wood industry sectors Features 12 international pavilions and extensive global participation Panel discussions and workshops on market trends and logistics Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Mahir Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, inaugurated the 21st edition of Dubai WoodShow, being held at Zabeel Halls 4, 5, and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event, which runs until April 16, has drawn the participation of leading companies from over 50 countries, positioning it as the Middle East and North Africa's leading platform for the wood and woodworking machinery industry (MENA). This year's edition continues to serve as a vital hub for exchanging expertise, showcasing innovation, and identifying promising investment opportunities in a sector considered a cornerstone of manufacturing and supply chains across the UAE and the wider region. Official Tour and Global Presence Mr. Mahir toured the exhibition alongside senior officials and industry stakeholders, visiting international pavilions and exploring cutting-edge products and solutions across the wood technology spectrum. The strong international participation reflects the show's alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aimed at enhancing the emirate's business environment and attracting foreign investment. Strategic Industry Platform Supporting Green Growth Dawood Al Shezawi, President of Dubai WoodShow, emphasized the event's growing impact: "Dubai WoodShow has become a key platform that actively supports Dubai's industrial and commercial development. It enables valuable partnerships among manufacturers, distributors, and investors operating in this critical sector. With the rising demand for sustainable wood materials in construction, interior design, and furniture, the exhibition highlights Dubai's strategic position as a global center for innovation and excellence in the wood industry." He added: "Through this annual gathering, we spotlight cutting-edge sustainable technologies and smart manufacturing practices that are fully aligned with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai's drive toward a green economy. The exhibition also plays an integral role in advancing the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by attracting leading international brands and reinforcing Dubai's status as a regional and global destination for specialized industrial and trade events." Al Shezawi also noted that the event aligns with Dubai's Climate Action Plan, contributing to the emirate's goals to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. "By promoting sustainable wood as an eco-friendly alternative to high-emission materials, the show supports a shift toward a greener economy. It fosters innovations that reduce waste and encourages intelligent solutions in sustainable construction and green manufacturing." Extensive International Participation This year's exhibition features 781 exhibitors and a record 1,662 brands across various wood and manufacturing sectors. Renowned participants include Pfeifer, Ilim Timber, Florian Legno, Kastamonu, Pollmeier, SCM (Italco), HOMAG (Holzcraft), Biesse, Cefla, HS Timber, Binderholz, French Timber Association, American Harwod Export Council, American Softwood, AIMMP Portugal Association Twelve international pavilions from countries such as Portugal, Gabon, China, the United States of America, India, Italy, Turkey, Russia, France, Germany, Austria, and Egypt showcase leading-edge technologies, product innovations, and business solutions that support growth and market expansion within the global wood industry. Delegations and visitors from across the GCC and MENA regions—including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Jordan —are in attendance, underscoring the event's regional and global significance. Industry Insights Through Panel Discussions and Workshops The show's opening day featured a dynamic program of panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, including: · North African Timber Market Outlook · Analyzing the Global Ocean Freight Market · Scandinavian and Nordic Timber Market Insights · Central European Timber Market dynamics · North Africa Wood Market Forecast · MENA market outlook The exhibition offers participants and visitors the opportunity to explore a wide and diverse range of wood products and production supplies. These include: Panels, MDF, Laminates, Veneers, Plywood, Hardwood, Softwood, and Engineered Wood Edge Banding Tools and Coating Adhesives Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Accessories Spruce Wood for Flooring and Construction Timber Drying Technologies Shipping, Logistics, and Supply Chain Software Concurrent Event: DIFAC Running concurrently is7th edition of Dubai International Furniture Accessories & Components and Semi-Finished Products Show (DIFAC), which showcases the latest technologies and innovations in furniture accessories and fittings. The exhibition offers insights into modern furniture trends, upholstery materials, decorative components, and semi-finished products. Featured sectors include: · Door Locks and Bolts · Cabinets, Bedding Accessories · Semi finished products for Modular furniture · Surface treatment and Finishing products · Portable Machines, Tools, Equipments for Furniture production · Windows and Doors accessories · Wood Interiors · Ceilings, Wall coverings and accessories · Upholstery Materials · Fittings and structural parts · Tools and consumables · Fabrics · Interior decoration Expanding the WoodShow Global Series As part of the WoodShow Global series, Strategic Exhibitions and Conferences will organize the 10th edition of Cairo WoodShow from November 27 to 30, 2025, at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nasr City, Egypt. The 2nd edition of Saudi WoodShow is also scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 7 to 9, 2025. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Location: Zabeel Halls 4, 5, and 6 – Dubai World Trade Centre For more information, visit:
