The holy month of Ramadan has special customs between religious duty, family communication, and a wonderful atmosphere that breaks many of the usual routine throughout the year, but this is different to athletes and football players in particular, especially professionals who compete in high-level competitions, which makes the challenge for them great through the ability to withstand the fatigue of matches, and special training programs.
The star of the Qatari national team and former Al Arabi club, Raed Yaqoub, who spoke to Qatar News Agency , affirmed that the special programming set for the official competitions by the Qatar Football Association and the Qatar Stars League is ideal in terms of choosing the appropriate dates for the matches, after sufficient time from iftar time.
Yaqoub added that Ramadan sports atmosphere is not limited to official matches, as there are tournaments that have become an integral part of the activity during the holy month.
Regarding personal habits, the former player and football analyst said he tries every year to set up a program that guarantees the implementation of all the requirements of the holy month, whether religious, family or sports.
Sport in the State of Qatar has turned into a concept or culture that has been greatly enshrined through the trends adopted by the country, which was unique to the pioneering idea of the Sports Day, in addition to the infrastructure that encourages practicing sports, he added.
Al Arabi player, Ahmed Suhail, believes that the specificity of the holy month of Ramadan gives the matches played during it a special taste, considering that competitions in tournaments may become a ritual related to the holy month, despite the great challenges that face it by changing the date of matches to late times, sometimes reaching midnight.
With regard to personal habits, Ahmed Suhail said there is no doubt that the atmosphere during the month of Ramadan is usually wonderful, and there are many special practices that we used to do with the family, friends that remain in the memory, and this, of course, is in addition to the commitment to religious duties.
In turn, the goalkeeper of the Muaither team, Moayad Shannan, who also spoke to QNA, said that playing during the blessed month of Ramadan seems completely different from the positive aspects, as the great enthusiasm of the players increases when playing competitive matches, making the atmosphere more wonderful.
Shannan explained that the current season is the first in which he plays matches during the holy month of Ramadan, which makes it somewhat difficult, especially at the beginning, but over time he was able to adapt to the situation of matches and training.
Al Gharafa player, Ahmed Al Janahi, said he believes that the difference between playing competitive matches during the month of Ramadan and the regular days seems to be minimal, reducing the negative effects of fasting and changing the nutritional program on the players’ performance.
Al Janahi said the impact may be limited to the issue of playing matches late, especially at the beginning. Returning to the regular system will not be easy after Ramadan. Apart from that, playing during Ramadan has many positive advantages.
Source: Qatar News Agency