Kluivert Taps Former Mentor too Tackle Ramadan Nutrition Challenge for Indonesian National Team
As Indonesia prepares for crucial World Cup qualifying matches during Ramadan, Coach Patrick Kluivert seeks expert guidance to optimize player performance amidst fasting.
By world Today news | March 18, 2025
Indonesia faces Unique challenge During World Cup Qualifiers
Indonesia’s national soccer team is gearing up for the third round of World Cup qualifying matches in Asia, but faces a unique challenge: Ramadan. With nearly 90% of Indonesians observing the Muslim holy month,which includes fasting from dawn until sunset,the team’s performance could be significantly impacted [[1]].
The team announced a preliminary list of 29 players, a mix of naturalized and native talents including key players like Rizky Ridho, Pratama Arhan, and Ricky Kambuaya. However, the dietary restrictions during Ramadan pose a notable hurdle to maintaining peak athletic condition.
Kluivert Prioritizes Player Nutrition during Ramadan
Coach Patrick Kluivert has voiced his concerns about managing the team’s nutrition during this period. He understands the importance of ensuring players receive adequate nourishment to sustain their energy levels for both training and matches [[1]].
We need to take good care of the players who are fasting during Ramadan. Nutrition is very crucial.Patrick Kluivert, Indonesian National Team Coach
Kluivert emphasized the limited readiness time before the matches, stressing that ”players have to be the best equipped nutritionally possible, in terms of what their bodies can absorb, before and after the game. Everything has to be coordinated adequately.”
This situation mirrors challenges faced by Muslim athletes in the U.S., such as those in the NBA or NFL, who must balance their faith with the demands of professional sports.Teams often employ nutritionists and trainers to help these athletes maintain their performance levels during Ramadan.
Turning to Expertise: Kluivert Enlists Former Teacher
To address these concerns, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has supported Kluivert by bringing in a team of experts from the Netherlands, including specialists in physical conditioning and technical skills [[2]].
Among these experts is Leo Echteld, a renowned physical fitness guru in the Netherlands.Echteld has worked with the Dutch national team, ajax, and even served as a personal expert for superstar Paul Pogba. With over 20 years of experience, Echteld’s expertise is highly valued.
Echteld’s connection to Kluivert runs deep, having been associated with the famous generation of Dutch players from the early 2000s, including Davids, Seedorf, and Stam. This pre-existing relationship likely fosters a strong understanding and communication, crucial for implementing effective strategies.
The Science of Fasting and Football: Optimizing Performance
The challenge of Ramadan fasting for athletes is significant. Abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset can lead to dehydration, reduced energy levels, and impaired cognitive function. However,with careful planning and expert guidance,these effects can be mitigated [[3]].
Sports nutritionists play a crucial role in developing meal plans that prioritize slow-digesting foods consumed during pre-dawn meals (suhoor) and post-sunset meals (iftar). These foods release energy gradually throughout the day, helping players sustain their stamina for training and matches [[3]].
Hydration is also paramount. Athletes are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids during non-fasting hours to maintain optimal hydration levels. Electrolyte-rich drinks can also help replenish lost minerals.
Consider the example of Mohamed Salah, a world-class soccer player who has openly discussed the challenges of maintaining his form during Ramadan.His experience highlights the importance of tailored nutritional strategies and careful monitoring of performance.
Looking Ahead: Indonesia’s strategy for Success
indonesia’s first match in this round of qualifiers is scheduled for March 20 against Australia. with the game taking place at 8 PM local time, players observing Ramadan will have a window to replenish their energy reserves before kickoff.
The collaboration between Kluivert and Echteld, combined with the support of the PSSI, represents a thorough approach to tackling the challenges posed by Ramadan. By prioritizing player nutrition and well-being, Indonesia aims to optimize its chances of success in the World Cup qualifiers.
This situation offers valuable lessons for sports teams worldwide, demonstrating the importance of cultural sensitivity and personalized training strategies when working with diverse athletes.
Ramadan Nutrition Strategies for Athletes: A Rapid Guide
| Meal | Focus | Example Foods | Hydration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suhoor (Pre-Dawn) | Sustained Energy | Oatmeal, whole grains, nuts, seeds, yogurt, fruits | Water, electrolyte drinks |
| iftar (Post-Sunset) | Replenishment & Recovery | Dates, lean protein (chicken, fish), vegetables, complex carbohydrates (brown rice, quinoa) | Water, fruit juices |
| Throughout Non-Fasting Hours | Continuous Hydration | Water, herbal teas, fruits with high water content (watermelon, cucumber) | Avoid sugary drinks |
Fasting & Football: Can Ramadan Nutrition Elevate Indonesia’s World Cup Dreams? An expert Weighs In
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: Welcome, Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading sports nutritionist specializing in performance optimization during religious fasting. To start, a striking statistic: Did you know that athletes observing Ramadan can maintain peak performance with the right nutritional strategies? That’s quite a testament to the human body’s adaptability.
Dr. Anya sharma: absolutely. The human body is remarkably resilient. With strategic dietary interventions, even during the complexities of Ramadan, athletes can not only maintain but, in certain specific cases, even enhance their performance. The key lies in understanding the physiological demands and tailoring nutrition to meet those demands.
Senior Editor: Let’s begin by discussing the unique challenges Indonesia’s national team faces during World Cup qualifiers, considering Ramadan. What are the primary obstacles, and how do they directly impact player performance?
Dr. Sharma: The biggest hurdle is balancing energy intake with the fasting schedule. Athletes need adequate fuel to sustain intense training and match performance. The shift in eating patterns—consuming all nutrients in a compressed timeframe—can lead to several challenges. These include:
Reduced energy levels: fasting naturally limits energy intake.
Dehydration: Athletes are unable to consume fluids during the day, affecting performance.
Muscle loss: If not managed carefully, the body may start breaking down muscle for energy.
Impaired cognitive function: Dehydration and low blood sugar can affect focus and decision-making.
These factors underscore the critical need for a well-structured nutritional plan to mitigate these impacts.
Senior Editor: Coach Patrick Kluivert has enlisted a former mentor to address this. From a nutritional perspective, what is the significance of bringing in someone with experience working with elite athletes, such as Leo Echteld?
Dr.Sharma: The expertise of a seasoned professional like Leo Echteld is invaluable. Experience means they have a proven track record. They understand the nuanced metabolic demands of high-performance athletes with specialized knowledge. They will know which diet is best suited to enhance player performance during the holy month of Ramadan, and are better positioned to implement these strategies. A mentor and mentee relationship can greatly enhance clarity and help ensure players feel supported when they face difficulties.
Senior Editor: Let’s delve into the science. Can you outline the fundamental principles of a successful Ramadan nutrition plan for athletes, focusing on both pre-dawn (suhoor) and post-sunset (iftar) meals?
Dr. Sharma: Certainly. A successful Ramadan nutrition plan revolves around strategically managing energy intake and hydration. Here’s a breakdown:
Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): The focus here is on sustained energy release throughout the fasting period. This means emphasizing:
Slow-digesting carbohydrates: Oatmeal, whole-grain bread, brown rice.
Lean protein: Eggs, Greek yogurt, lean meats.
Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocado.
Hydration: Ample water and electrolyte-rich drinks.
Iftar (Post-Sunset Meal): The goal is to replenish energy stores and aid recovery after sunset. This meal should include:
Fast-digesting carbohydrates: Dates (the customary choice) and fruits to quickly restore blood sugar.
Lean protein: Chicken, fish, or plant-based protein sources.
Complex carbohydrates: Brown rice,quinoa,vegetables.
Hydration: Water, fruit juices, and electrolyte drinks.
Throughout Non-Fasting Hours: Athletes must prioritize:
Hydration: Drinking water, electrolyte drinks, and herbal teas.
Smaller, frequent meals: This aids in nutrient absorption and prevents large spikes and dips in energy levels.
Senior Editor: Dehydration is a important concern. What specific hydration strategies would you recommend to ensure Indonesian players stay adequately hydrated during both training and matches?
Dr. Sharma: Effective hydration is absolutely critical. Here are some strategies:
Pre-dawn Hydration: Consume a significant amount of water and possibly electrolyte drinks during suhoor.
Post-Sunset Hydration: Immediately after breaking the fast, consume a large amount of water followed by electrolyte-rich beverages to replace lost minerals.
Smart Choices: Opt for water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber. avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks, as these can have diuretic effects.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Regularly monitor urine color. Pale yellow indicates adequate hydration; dark yellow or amber suggests dehydration. Athletes may need personalized hydration plans based on their sweat rates and individual needs.
Senior Editor: What are the key supplements, if any, that may benefit athletes during Ramadan?
Dr. Sharma: Supplements should be considered an adjunct to a well-planned diet, not a replacement. During Ramadan, some supplements may be beneficial.
Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride are lost through sweat. Supplementation might potentially be crucial to boost concentration and aid muscle function.
Creatine: Creatine can help with strength and power, but caution should be exercised as it requires adequate hydration and may have digestive implications. start or maintain creatine consumption during the evening.
Protein powders: These can aid in meeting protein requirements, notably when the time available for food intake is limited.
It’s essential that any supplementation plan be done under medical supervision, considering the dosage, timing, and potential interactions.
Senior Editor: What are some examples of how teams and athletes have successfully navigated Ramadan in major sporting contexts, and what lessons can we learn from their experiences?
dr. Sharma: Several examples demonstrate successful strategies:
Mohamed Salah: The Liverpool star has discussed incorporating meal planning to his nutrition plan.
NBA and NFL Teams: Teams in these leagues have long employed nutritionists to develop customized plans for Muslim athletes, encompassing dietary adjustments, hydration strategies, and sleep optimization.
Historical context: Many Muslim athletes and the teams they play for, have dealt with Ramadan fasting and performed at high levels. For example, several Muslim players participated in the 2022 World Cup, which was held during Ramadan.
Key Lessons:
Individualization: No ”one-size-fits-all” approach; tailor plans to each athlete’s needs, training schedule, and personal preferences.
Close monitoring: Regular assessment of energy levels, hydration, and performance metrics.
Team Support: A holistic approach involving coaches, nutritionists, medical staff, and the athletes themselves.
Senior Editor: Indonesia’s first match in this qualifying round happens at 8 pm local time.How might this game time impact the team’s strategy, and what unique considerations should come into play?
Dr. Sharma: Playing at 8 pm provides a significant advantage. Players will have a period to replenish energy and rehydrate before the match.The focus should be on consuming a nutrient-dense meal a couple of hours before. This is because meals consumed closer to the game might cause digestive issues. Here are strategies that are recommended for competition day:
- Prepare the Night Before: the night before the competition, focus on preparing the necessary food.
- Have a Meal that is High in Carbohydrates: Consume foods that are not challenging to digest before the match.
- Hydrate: hydration pre-game is important. During the breaks of match duration water can be consumed.
- Monitor: Check on individual athlete requirements and offer personalized approaches.
Senior editor: What are the long-term implications? How can the experiences of Indonesia’s team improve the support provided to athletes navigating ramadan in future competitions, not just in football, but in other sports worldwide?
Dr. Sharma: The experience of Indonesia’s team is a case study in best practices. Lessons learned can contribute to creating:
Increased Cultural Competency: Encouraging sports organizations everywhere to appreciate and accommodate religious practices.
Standardized Guidelines: Developing evidence-based nutrition and training protocols for athletes during Ramadan across sports.
Improved Collaboration: Fostering better collaboration between sports nutritionists,coaches,and athletes.
* Research and Education: Encouraging further research on the effects of Ramadan on athletic performance and the development of educational resources for athletes and support staff.
Senior Editor: Dr. Sharma, this has been incredibly informative. Thank you for sharing your expertise. What is the single most important takeaway for athletes and coaches reading this,aiming to navigate Ramadan successfully in sports?
Dr. Sharma: My most important takeaway is: Prioritize individualized planning and support for optimal results. Success hinges on recognizing the unique needs of each athlete, crafting personalized nutritional strategies, and fostering a supportive team environment. With careful planning and a commitment to the athlete’s well-being, peak performance can be achieved even during Ramadan.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma.Your insights are invaluable. Readers, what are your experiences or questions about sports nutrition during religious fasting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
