Sport in Ramadhan [Archives:1998/51/Sports]

Many people often wonder: Is there a real sport activity in Ramadhan in Yemen? Some people harbor the strange belief that Ramadhan is a month for rest and sleep, when a fasting person has nothing to do but devour food at Iftar time, stay late at night and sleep till noon.
This attitude is reflected on sport activities, among others. Sports clubs become places for playing chess, domino, cards, etc. Very few clubs indeed continue to host more physical sport activities during Ramadhan.

Ramadhan affords obese people a good opportunity to exercise and lose some weight. This idea was taken up by a number now unfit veteran athletes from the Ahli, Wahda and Zohra clubs. They got together and formed football, volleyball and basketball teams. Matches are held two hours before Iftar, the ideal time to burn extra calories and tone muscles.
Some “official” athletes may become unfit due to lack of activity during Ramadhan. This is a grave mistake committed by sports clubs and sports associations in this country.

Sport exercises should never stop, maybe just reduced a bit during Ramadhan. When true religious rites and customs are applied, Ramadhan offers a good opportunity for both physical and spiritual well-being.
It is very important that sports clubs and associations should organize enough sport activities during this holy month. They must never “sleep” like the Ministry of Youth and Sport!

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