RICHMOND'S Bachar Houli has spoken about the unique challenges facing a Muslim player in the AFL.
Speaking at a breakfast to celebrate AFL's multicultural round, Houli says he is preparing himself for Ramadan, the Islamic month for fasting while fulfilling his duties with the Tigers.
Houli says he has been fasting for two days a week in the lead-up to the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which begins on August 1 this year.
"In terms of training and playing, I'm still trying to work on it. Yesterday I caught up with our fitness coach and we were trying to work out what would suit me," Houli said.
"I don't want the program to change because of me. I want to be at the club as long as I can and I don't want to take a short cut. That's my nature, I try to do everything to the best of my ability."
Houli said his body can cope with the change in his diet and that preparation and planning was the key.
"I started fasting two months ago and what I've been doing is fasting two days a week so I can get used to this month," he said.
"Because to take on the month all at once can be quite tough, so I've prepared myself just like you'd prepare yourself for a match."
Houli spoke at the breakfast along with former Essendon teammate Nathan Lovett-Murray, Collingwood's Harry O'Brien, AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson and local footballer Jamie Pi.
He said teammates from his junior and senior careers had supported and taken a great interest in his Muslim faith.
"The reason we fast is we feel for the poor, those who struggle for food every day. The other reason is it is a month of worship. If you are a sinner, it's a chance to turn back and repent," he said.
"It's one of the most scientifically proven diets. I had a few teammates at Essendon who tried it but they didn't last too long. I've been doing it for 12 years."
AFL Multicultural Round will celebrate ‘Many Cultures. One Game’ and will highlight the community engagement initiatives currently being undertaken by the Australian football industry, as well as the many players from culturally diverse backgrounds, who make up nine per cent of the AFL player list.
