Arab wrestler says fast ‘no problem’

TOKYO - Agence France-Presse

Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan.

The first professional sumo wrestler from both the African continent and Arab world has reportedly brushed aside worries about his observing Ramadan during a key tournament.

Egypt’s Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan described a daytime fast that is a key part of the month-long Muslim celebration as “no problem” in remarks published Wednesday by Japan’s top-selling Yomiuri Shimbun.
The fasting period will overlap with his final bout at a tournament in the central city of Nagoya.

“No problem. I only think of winning the remaining bouts. I’m confident,” Shaalan was quoted as saying.
As a practicing Muslim, the wrestler better known by his ring name Osunaarashi, which translates as Great Sandstorm, will not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

Sumo wrestlers depend on eating vast quantities of food to keep up their stout physiques and for energy during tournaments which are held several times a year across Japan.

The 20-year-old won the novice class in a tournament in May where he won seven bouts with no defeats to dominate the “Jonokuchi” class, the lowest of six divisions in the highly-ritualised sport.

The wrestler, who moved up one rank, has earned four wins with one defeat during the two-week contest in Nagoya, while he did not compete in one bouts as he recovered from an ankle injury, according to the Japan Sumo Association.