GB Boxing supports Muslim boxers during month of Ramadan as part of commitment to diversity and equality
GB Boxing will support the Muslim boxers in its squad, by adapting their training and competition programmes during this year’s period of Ramadan (22 March – 21 April 2023) when they observe the practice of fasting during the daylight hours, which means no food or fluids can be consumed as a way of cleansing the soul.
The adaptations are a sign of GB Boxing’s commitment to diversity and equality and have been developed following consultation with the three Muslim boxers in its’ squad
GB Boxing’s Performance Director, Rob McCracken explained: “As a World Class Performance Programme we believe it is important to support our boxers’ religious beliefs whilst also ensuring we find the right balance which allows them to continue performing at a high level to achieve their sporting goals.
“The month of Ramadan is a challenging but rewarding experience for our Muslim boxers, but we believe that with the changes to their programme that we have put in place to accommodate, they will be able to reap the full benefits of the period.”
The adaptations made to each boxer’s weekly programme reflect their personal approach to Ramadan.
Examples of these alterations include a change to individual training times and the type of work they do with some of the boxers spending more on bag and pad sessions rather than sparring to mitigate the risk of bodily fluids entering the body, which some of the boxers might consider to be breaking a fast.
Flyweight, Hamza Mehmood said: “Ramadan is a really important time in the year for me and GB Boxing have been brilliant with the support they have offered. I’ve been given the option to stay in a hotel on my own to allow me my own space and the coaches and support staff have done what they can to tailor the sessions in a way that benefits me.
“The main challenge of Ramadan is to make sure I’m well fuelled all day and being able to regularly speak to a nutritionist has been helpful in ensuring I am able to recover properly between sessions and
GB Boxing’s Performance Nutritionist Mark Ellison has worked closely with the boxers observing Ramadan to make sure they are maintaining a healthy diet that ensures they are fuelling their bodies correctly whilst also keeping on top of their weight management at a busy point in the Olympic cycle.
Ellison said: “Because of the way Ramadan has fell this year, the time they can refuel is roughly between 8pm and 5am which provides a challenge when it comes to refuelling and rehydrating.
“Our strategy has been to have them eating a high carbohydrate, moderate protein meal before the sunrises. After sunset, a meal which contains low fat and fibre is more beneficial so as not to fill-up the boxers too much. In terms of hydration, we want them to have more electrolytes so that the water sticks to their muscles for longer.
“Some things work better for other boxers, but the main thing is that we are here to support them during this period to make sure we look after their health yet able them to maximise their performance in the best possible way.”