NCAA Athlete Faces Ramadan Fasting Challenge Amid Tournament

Dayton, Ohio – North Carolina guard Ian Jackson faces a unique challenge during this year’s NCAA Tournament as he observes Ramadan, which requires fasting from dawn until sunset. The tournament, set to kick off on March 18, coincides with a month that holds significant religious importance for Jackson and many others.

Ramadan, part of the Five Pillars of Islam, lasts a month with dates that shift annually. During this time, followers abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, making it particularly difficult for athletes like Jackson who require nourishment for optimal performance.

Jackson acknowledged the challenge, stating, “For me, I would say it’s been rough. How should I say it? This fast is going to be looked at as a burden. This is something that we do to get closer to God. So, for me, it’s been good… This is my third year fasting.”

Throughout Ramadan, those fasting must consume meals before dawn, with restrictions on certain foods, including pork. Jackson further elaborated on the restrictions, saying, “We fast during the day between sunrise and sundown… You can’t have pork. We don’t eat pork. So, pork is off the table, but we just eat food… Nothing. No, you can’t drink. So, it’s nothing during the day.”

This isn’t Jackson’s first experience balancing fasting with athletic commitments. Last year, he participated in the ACC Tournament during Ramadan, where North Carolina faced multiple afternoon games. Despite the demands, he managed to contribute, averaging just over two points per game.

“In the morning I prepared because I knew during the game I wasn’t going to eat or drink. So, when I prepared, I ate a good amount of food and played the game. It wasn’t too bad. [Get up before dawn], absolutely,” Jackson noted. He emphasized the importance of starting the day with a heavy meal rich in carbohydrates to sustain energy through the long hours of fasting.

Ramadan this year began on February 28 and will continue through March 29. If North Carolina advances far in the NCAA Tournament, Jackson will face the challenge of fasting alongside pivotal games, aiming to remain physically prepared while fulfilling his religious commitments.

Reflecting on his past experiences, Jackson remarked, “I didn’t have as many games as I have now, so it wasn’t that bad. I didn’t have too many games I had to play while I was fasting.”

North Carolina is set to launch its NCAA Tournament campaign with a First Four matchup on Tuesday, March 18, against an opponent still to be determined. The game will tip-off at 9:10 p.m. EST in Dayton, Ohio.