Despite the fasting month of Ramadan, sports activities are witnessing an upward swing in Kashmir. Sportspersons are devising ways to train and achieve optimum performance during the holy month as the pre-sunrise to sunset fast lasts for around 15 hours every day.
Abdul Majid Hurrah from Goshbugh Pattan, a cricket tournament organizer, said currently they are organizing 5th Edition of Ali Memorial Casco Ball T10 Cricket Tournament especially in the month of Ramadan in which around 65 teams are taking part.
“There is no decline in sports activities even in Ramadan. Despite keeping fast, sportspersons continue to play with full vigour and enthusiasm,” he said.
Cricketer Adil Kachru, 23, from Kanipora Shopian while talking to Rising Kashmir said he has been playing cricket for the past 11 years on an alternative basis amid fasting. "We play matches on alternate days while fasting in the month of Ramadan," he said.
Kachru added though in the first few days, things seemed to be difficult “but gradually one becomes used to the new regimen. There seems some divine push while fasting which helps to overcome the challenges," he said.
Regarding the change in schedule or diet management in the month of Ramadan, Kachru said one has to take plenty of dates and eggs to meet the body requirements.
"We eat a sufficient number of dates and eggs at Iftari time as we cannot consume food amid fasting during the day time. So, the focus remains on a protein intensive diet," he said.
Talking about his daily sports engagement with different teams this season, he said that he is playing for many cricket clubs and teams of the Valley.
Coach of Ali Sports Academy and the Padma Shri Awardee, Faisal Ali said in Ramadan they organize events post sports activities. They are conducting Quran recitation (Qirat competition), Islamic quizzes and Naat competitions in the month of Ramadan.
“We hold Iftar parties for winners and achievers have Iftari with orphans,” he said.
“Besides we organise community-based career counseling sessions for children, especially for the destitute, though younger kids do some exercise and practice sessions also,” he said.
President, Jammu and Kashmir Mountain Biking Association Riyaz Wani said usually in Ramadan, practice sessions for outdoor sports activities either have to be postponed or some light exercises are done in this holy month.
“Athletes go for light practice, warm-up, strength exercises either an hour before breaking fast (Iftar) or an hour after Iftar,” he said, adding that he himself does practice for an hour after the sunset meals.
Arifa Bilal a record-breaker powerlifter and trainer said that in the month of Ramadan they usually do strength exercises and avoid cardio exercises as that causes more sweating which eventually causes thirst.
“We take protein and another necessary diet in Sehri and Iftar, though the intake of diet gets lessened owing to Ramadan fasting,” she said.
Famous Urdu commentator of Kashmir valley, Nasir Dar said, “We are addicted to commentary. But, during the month of fasting, it is an uphill task to commentate.
“But when you have a passion for the game, that makes things easier,” he said.
Nasir said the love for the game and on-field excitement boosts morale. “When on-field players can give their 100 percent why can’t I? That's what comes to my mind when I see sportspersons playing with keenness and commitment even during this fasting month,” he added.