By Neha Aggarwal
The sacred month Ramadan is the ninth and the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as the month of fasting and praying. During the holy month of Ramadan, traditionally only two meals are eaten, one before breaking of dawn and the other after the sun sets. This year Ramadan starts on the eve of 26th May and ends on 24th June. It is a month of sacrifice, which is believed to cleanse the soul from all the impurities, and teaches Muslims how to better practice self discipline, self control and empathy towards the less fortunate.
In a large scale competition like the World Championship, players spend a lot of time at the venue considering the number of matches played throughout the competition. Thus, it is challenging for the players and officials to follow these practices in terms of availability of food and praying areas at the venue and hotel.
Keeping these religious practices and other facts in mind, the following arrangements will be made for the players and officials:
- Two mosques (one for women, one for men) will be available at the venue
- Early breakfast for Ramadan fasting will be available at hotel
- Dinner with specially prepared Halal meals will be served at the venue restaurant between 18:00 – 23:00
Additionally, if the players and officials require any other special assistance, the organizing committee will make sure to provide them so that there is no inconvenience caused to anyone to follow the practices for the holy month of Ramadan at the World Championship in Dusseldorf.
Acknowledging the acceptance of his request by the Organizing Committee of the World Championship and German Table Tennis Association, Mr.Khalil Al-Mohannadi said, “A special thank you to the Liebherr 2017 WTTC Organizing Committee and the DTTB President Mr. Michael Geiger for understanding of the needs of the Muslim countries during the holy month of Ramadan and making these special arrangements.”