Inter-Milan’s coach Jose Mourinho has reopened the debate about fasting and sport by suggesting that the timing of Ramadan was not ideal for football players just beginning their season. The issue is particularly poignant with the forthcoming London Olympics 2012 being held in the middle of Ramadan. Some 3,000 Muslims, who will consequently be at a disadvantage, are expected to compete at the Games, while a sizeable number of the spectators and volunteers would also be fasting.

The dilemma has been apparent since the dates of the Games (July 27 to August 12) were declared two years ago, but unfortunately the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has done nothing to change the dates. Yet the date is not cast in stone as proved by the decision to delay the start in Beijing to the middle of August to avoid the hot weather. Previous Olympics, like in Australia and South Korea, were not held until mid-September, and in Mexico, they started in October.

The mission of the IOC is to promote the Olympic spirit throughout the world and not just in a part of it. Its charter also includes upholding ethics in sport, encouraging participation and ensures Games take place on a regular schedule. With nearly three years to go before London hosts the spectacle it is surely not too late to find an alternative period of three weeks to avoid any clash with Ramadan.

British Muslims did take the issue about the timing with former Mayor Ken Livingstone’s London Organising Committee. However, they were told London had no authority in selecting the dates. The Muslim leadership did not investigate whether this was true or not and took the word of the Committee as true.

The British Olympic Committee has also remained silent about the conflicting dates, rather than at least taking the issue up with the IOC as the host country. Such a request would show respect for more than 20 per cent of the world’s inhabitants and endorse the UK’s commitment to cultural diversity. It would also show that Olympics which represents the world’s five continents is truly representative of all on an equal basis and not become just another mega-commercial venture as some critics claim.

Should it prove impossible to change the dates, special provisions should be made to assist Muslim athletes, spectators and volunteers during this month. Perhaps these issues, including the timing of events, are important for the organizing committee and even London Mayor Boris Johnson and his appointed adviser to the Olympics to look into. However, what is not disputed is that Muslim athletes would be put at a disadvantage. How many Muslim athletes will participate in the grueling conditions is difficult to gauge.

London won the bid partially because of the diversity of the city and the legacy of East London’s of its impoverished population. East London has one of the highest number of Muslims in the UK. The largest minority community in London is Muslim. Around 3,000 Muslim athletes are anticipated to participate. However, for the UK Government, the British Olympic Association and London 2012, Muslims do not matter. They were used to win the bid but their concerns were not listened to.

Even if London did not want to request the OIC to change dates to accommodate Muslim concerns, they could have used the dates given by the OIC to accommodate Muslim concerns. London were given July 15 to August 31 to choose from. They could have easily selected the later dates instead of selecting July 27 to August 12 as Ramadan will fall between July 20 to August 18.

Olympics are never held during Christmas or Easter vindicating those who argue that the international body has a Christian bias.

Source: Muslim News