Ramadan and sport: A pilot study on the perspectives of professionals and athletes in diverse cultural contexts

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Published Jul 1, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i7.5795
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Vol. 103 No. 7 (2025): Tunis Med Jul 2025

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Chedlia Fitouri
Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Sohar, Oman.Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Saïd, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
Aymen Yaakoubi
Heart Failure Research Laboratory (LR12SP09), Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse. Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Le Kef, Tunisia
Alexandre Dellal
FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Santy Orthopaedic Centre, Lyon, France ;Inter-University Motor Biology Laboratory, Department of Sports Science, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
Asma Aloui
Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.Research Unit “Physical Activity, Sport and Health” (UR18JS01), National Sports Observatory, Tunis, Tunisia
Imed Latiri
Heart Failure Research Laboratory (LR12SP09), Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
Karim Chamari
Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Saïd, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia,Naufar, Wellness and Recovery Center, Doha, Qatar
Hejer Ben Jomaa
National Higher Institute of Teaching and Education of the Academy of Guadeloupe, University of the Antilles, Pointe à Pitre, France. Center for Research and Resources in Education and Training (CRREF UR6_3), University of the Antilles, Pointe à Pitre, France

Abstract

Background: Observing Ramadan presents a challenge for elite athletes and their technical and medical staff, particularly in diverse cultural contexts.


Objective: This study aims to examine the challenges faced by Muslim athletes who fast during Ramadan and the technical and medical staff who accompany them, both in countries with a Muslim majority and in countries with a Muslim minority.


Methods: A qualitative approach was used, gathering testimonies from professionals working in countries with a Muslim and non-Muslim majority. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the key factors affecting performance management and adaptation to the Ramadan fast.


Results: The analysis revealed four main areas: (i) energy management and recovery, (ii) psychological dimensions, (iii) sociocultural impact, and (iv) institutional and individual adjustments required. In countries with a Muslim majority, the integration of Ramadan generally makes it possible to partially mitigate the impact on performance through schedule adjustments; however, the strategic planning of these measures often remains insufficient to meet the demands of high-level sport. Conversely, in Muslim-majority countries, the almost total absence of such adaptations leads to increased mental tension and a feeling of isolation among some athletes who fast, despite the support of their non-Muslim teammates.


Conclusion: Recognizing Ramadan as an essential part of sports planning can significantly improve the psychological well-being of fasting athletes, strengthen their self-discipline, and help maintain their level of performance. This approach is part of an inclusive policy framework, reinforced by individual initiatives, and highlights the possibility of reconciling religious commitment and high-level sports performance.

Keywords:

Adaptations, Cultural context, Elite football, Energy impacts, Perceptions, Ramadan, Mental health

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Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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