Fast a challenge for new sumo star

NAGOYA – In a sport steeped in ancient rituals and Japanese tradition, one young foreigner faces the weighty issue of how to keep faithful to his religious observances and be competitive in one of the biggest sumo arenas.

Wrestling under the name Osunaarashi, which translates as “Great Sandstorm”, the 21-year-old Abdelrahman Ahmed Shalan is the first professional sumo wrestler from the African continent.

Being an outsider has had its challenges.

But while he’s slowly been getting to grips with life in the elite sumo ranks, the young Egyptian does have a unique problem at the 15-day Nagoya tournament where his rivals rely on every part of their preparation being in sync – the event coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

And for Shalan, that means strict fasting – not something usually associated with the larger-than-life image of sumo wrestling.

“I love sumo. Sumo means everything to me,” he told The Associated Press in an interview as the Nagoya tournament was commencing.

“I’ve sacrificed being with my friends, being with my family, being in university. I’ve put all my cards on the table and now we’ll see what happens. I believe in myself and believe in my dream.”

Due to timing of the July 7-21 Nagoya tournament during Ramadan, Osunaarashi can’t eat or drink during daylight and must find time for prayer.

It’s something he learned to cope with at last year’s Nagoya tournament but he said the toughest part is not being able to drink water in the stifling summer heat.