Salute the athletes who stay hungry for success during Ramadan

AS a school-going kid, I always wondered why my Muslim friends would not join us at the canteen during the month of Ramadan.

Even during the physical education sessions, football would be played at a slower pace.

And these football matches are no ordinary games but used to be so fun with everyone having a nickname. Some are Thierry Henry while others were called Ali Dia (go figure, who this Dia is!).

Of course, I discovered eventually that my buddies were fasting from sunrise to sunset without even drinking water as part of their religious duties.

Since then, I’ve grown to respect them more and even wondered if I could do it. The closest I’ve done is being a vegetarian for a week or two before Thaipusam, but never fasting.

It’s not easy to fast, even more so when you are involved in rigorous activities. That’s why I admire our national athletes

Just look at national bowler Rafiq Ismail.

He will be taking part in the Sonic International Classic in Singapore next month, and he is excited about it.

He even won the Singapore Open in 2017 while fasting.

There are no excuses or complaints from him, just sheer determination to do well for the nation. Now that’s dedication.

Who knows, Rafiq might just win again, like he did at the same venue.

And a what a wonderful early Hari Raya gift it will be for his wife Wan Nur Adzlin Wan Ahmad Ifafudin as they will be celebrating their first year as a wedded couple.

Rafiq even joked: “Saya kena control, jadi budak baik” (I’ve to control myself and be a good boy).

For Rafiq, the season teaches him humility, patience and is a reminder to do good deeds.

It’s a joy to interview Rafiq – a man full of colour and character.

There are others like Rafiq too – Tun Ameerul Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam, Ahmad Muaz Fishol, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, Hafiz Zainuddin, Syazirol Shamsuddin, Shahrukh Amin Zulkifli and Ahmad Azriq Izamudin who will also be out to make a difference at the alley this month.

Then there is young national sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi, who can’t wait to start his outdoor season with Auburn University with a bang, and guess what? His fasting period is even longer since he is based in the United States.

He will compete in the Florida State University Relay and aims to hit below 10.20s.

If he does break his national record of 10.09s, it will be a special Ramadan month indeed.

We also have the national footballers playing in a series of friendly matches too, and to see Akhyar Rashid scoring a peach of a goal against Turkmenistan on the first day of the Ramadan month is a blessing.

Malaysia won the game 1-0.

Also, during this month, don’t be surprised to see non-Muslim athletes joining their Muslim brothers and sisters too.

Two years ago, midfielder Lee Tuck did a day of fasting when he played for Terengganu during the Super League.

It’s a good gesture and show of respect, and it makes the Malaysian DNA such a beautiful one.

And this act – embracing diversity – is happening worldwide too.

Football refereeing bodies have told English Premier League match officials to pause play so players can break their fast during the holy period of Ramadan.

It’s inspiring – to see the hunger in athletes and officials to make significant gains in their sports during the puasa month.