The will to achieve greatness is fuelled by a number of factors. Some people believe in their abilities; others put their faith in their equipments, their fans and their coaches. However all humans in hard times commit themselves to a higher power of practice which is also common among boxers.
Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar; a period observed by Muslims globally as a holy month. The period is dedicated to reflection, prayer and fasting.
Boxinghana.com visited the National Boxing Team (Black Bombers) to observe their preparation towards the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. We also used the opportunity to interact with our Muslim brothers in the team. The goal was to gather information on how they are maintaining their spirituality while training to fulfill the requirements of making it to the final team.
Yaw Addo, a Black Bomber took us through his day. According to Yaw, he wakes up daily at 4:00am to pray, eat and begin his fast, arrive at training within 6:30am – 7:00pm. After training he goes home to wash his gear and rest, then observe prayers at 1:30pm and resume training at 3:30pm to 5:30pm to break his fast at 6pm.
A similar routine is observed by others who are also fasting.
Coach Ben Tetteh, one of the assistant coaches on the team praised the boxers observing the Ramadan
“There is time for everything and commitment to abstaining from food will help them become more discipline. Also boxing goes beyond the physical, and the fasting will help them draw closer to Allah. As a way to support their commitment, we have allowed their request to come in 30mins late.
Abdul Wahid Omar, 2016 Olympian and 2014 Commonwealth bronze medalist revealed that observing the Ramadan is part his belief.
“I always fast, I have been doing this for years now and I believe that by fasting I am preparing myself to achieve my dreams. I know that fasting and training is not easy, but I can do it because even if I don’t fast now I will have to do it after the training camp. As a Muslim when I don’t observe the Ramadan it’s like I am in debt to Allah and I will have to pay back.”
Abubakar Quartey also shared with us and mentioned that, fasting and training is not easy. Some challenges boxers might face include dehydration and exhaustion. Also, Lack of proper nutrition post workout can result in poor results. Members of the team are given vitamins to help improve their outcome.
Yaw Addo, a Black Bomber and 2018 Ghana representative at the Commonwealth games explained that Ramadan is a period to seek blessings from Allah and ask for forgiveness. He therefore encourages all boxers to make an effort to fast.
Another Bomber, Sherriff Bawa also encouraged others to keep going as the fasting will open doors for them. So he believes that if he fasts God will protect him. He also advise his other boxers in his situation to rest in the afternoon. This according to him helps him regain his strength before evening training.
The team have moved from their non-residential camping to the Trust Sports Emporium, that is, the Bukom Boxing Arena.