"Your scars are not signs of weakness; they are reminders of the battles you have already won."
At just 11 days old, Aishath Eshal Hussain Riyaz (Eshu) underwent a life-saving nine-hour open-heart surgery. Sixteen years later, she is balancing the demands of upper secondary school with volunteering for Tiny Hearts of Maldives, using her own journey to support children and families living with congenital heart conditions.
For Eshu, surviving was only the beginning. Rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her future, she has turned it into a source of resilience, choosing to advocate for others while proving that courage, determination and hope can overcome the misconceptions surrounding congenital heart conditions.
As she prepares for her next chapter, Eshu hopes to continue her education and expand her advocacy, encouraging young heart warriors to believe in themselves and reminding parents that a diagnosis does not define a child's future. Her story is a powerful reminder that life's greatest challenges can become the foundation for its greatest purpose.
An Argentine fan attempted to provoke Egypt national team head coach Hossam Hassan by waving an Israeli flag in front of him after yesterday's World Cup match. Hassan responded by spitting towards the fan and the flag.