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Understanding Ramadan fasting and its challenges for athletes: A general overview
Asma Aloui1,2, Walid Briki3, Hakim Chalabi4,5
1High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
La Tunisie Medicale
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Muslim athletes face unique challenges during Ramadan fasting, requiring tailored support to balance religious observance with athletic demands. Understanding these needs is crucial for safeguarding health and performance, especially in non-Muslim majority countries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Religious Studies
- Physiology
Background:
- Ramadan fasting involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset for 29-30 days.
- This annual Islamic observance presents unique challenges for Muslim athletes, impacting their training and competition schedules.
- The timing of Ramadan shifts annually within the Gregorian calendar, adding complexity for athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the special issue "Ramadan and Sport."
- To examine the physiological and psychological constraints faced by Muslim athletes during Ramadan, particularly during international competitions.
- To highlight the need for institutional support for Muslim athletes in minority contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Muslim athletes and Ramadan.
- Analysis of challenges in reconciling religious practices with athletic demands.
- Examination of support systems in predominantly Muslim versus minority Muslim countries.
Main Results:
- Muslim athletes may experience physiological and psychological constraints due to fasting.
- Athletes in minority Muslim countries might lack institutional support compared to those in Muslim-majority nations.
- Lack of support can negatively influence athletes' mental well-being and performance.
Conclusions:
- Personalized support is essential for Muslim athletes during Ramadan.
- Enhanced understanding of fasting challenges in high-level sports is needed.
- Coaches and medical staff require training to effectively support athletes' religious practices while ensuring health and performance.
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