NAN-S-2
Fast
Lagos, June 13, 2017 (NAN) A certified taekwondo referee, Ibrahim Yahuza, had called for thorough fitness check on athletes observing the ongoing Ramadan fast for before they engage in competitions.
Yahuza told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that such a check would prevent impromptu occurrence or crisis to the athletes during any sports event.
NAN reports that Ramadan is an Islamic practice of daylight fasting during the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which involves Muslims refraining from eating and drinking.
“In as much as athletes jump at competitions whenever the opportunity comes up, organisers must ensure that a comprehensive medical check is conducted by the Muslims among the participants.
“Naturally, combat sports are strenuous; therefore fitness test should be made compulsory for those who want to go out of their way to compete even while fasting.
“The reason is basically to avoid unfavourable incidents whereby calamity will be recorded or traced to an athlete’s participation in championships while engaging in fasting.
“We must remind ourselves that the gap must be there because it is not easy for somebody to stay away from food for hours and days,’’ he said.
Yahuza said that the fitness check should be made a compulsory requirement for athletes that aspire to take part in competitions but with particular reference to Muslim athletes.
“A well-organised competition makes the health of participating athletes a priority by going the extra mile to confirm their current state with a medical certificate,’’ he added.
The referee added that Muslims who decided to skip the exercise for tangible reasons were allowed but must find a way to make it up after the fast. (NAN)
MIL/JEO/PDE
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(Editing by Jane-Frances Oraka/Peter Ejiofor)