Imagine that you are a student athlete, your routine goes like waking up in the morning and taking off to practice with minimal energy. And then in the middle of the practice you suddenly feel thirsty and hungry, leaving you feeling weak and exhausted. This is the case of  the student-athletes during Ramadan fasting, fasting from dawn to sunset, student-athletes face an uphill battle: morning practice sessions, intense exertion, and the grueling reality of thirst and hunger. 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the calendar, a time for fasting from dawn to sunset. During this time, Ramadan athletes focus on strategies to combat low-level energy such as tactical training loads, nutrition, hydration and rest. Athletes during this time will find their performance level drastically changed. However, the extent of their performance changes depends on how well the athlete’s manage their nutrition, hydration and rest.

“One of the biggest difficulties I face while fasting is that some days I do not get as much energy and I get very thirsty in the middle of the day.” Saba Ahmadi, a sophomore and soccer player in Granite Bay, said.

Being an athlete who fasts at the same time is totally a challenging thing. Sports demands a high level of endurance and stamina. Without proper nutrition, hydration, and rest, athletes  will find themselves weak and tired during the game.

In “The effects of Ramadan fasting on various physiological and biochemical parameters on Muslim soccer players,” where eight professional soccer players around the age of 21 were studied, found that that over a 48 and 72 hour time span, performance decreased. Performance significantly decreased towards the end of Ramadan. 

“Before sunrise, I take electrolytes drinks, which helps me get a lot of energy during the game,” Abdul Safi, a sophomore student and soccer player at Granite Bay High School.

Despite their physical challenges. Many athletes find ways to surmount and adapt their routines. Whether it’s through carefully planned schedules, nutrition, hydration strategies, or mental focus, each athlete approaches the situation differently.    

“I mean I just tell myself it’s a normal day, it’s a normal game. Nothing really changes. I just know what I need to do,” Adam Shehaded, A football and rugby player said.