THEUPCOMING Paris Olympics could see Indian sportspersons landing some comfort food on their plates. In a first, in the dining halls of the Athletes Village will be specially curated steamed Basmati rice, dal, roti, aloo-gobi, gently-spiced Indian-style chicken curry, and an assortment of South Asian broths.

Shiva Keshavan, who was recently appointed India’s deputy chef de mission for the Olympics, said the menu was passed on to the Paris organizers of the Games during their recent meeting with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). He said the early recce meeting was held to ensure Indian athletes would feel at home, even in the crucible of high-pressure competition, far away from the country.

“Many of our recommendations for a modified menu to include Indian dishes were accepted. Each one was cleared by a nutritionist,” said Keshavan, a former Winter Games luge athlete. Contingents from previous Games have often highlighted the need for an Indian menu, he added.

“Food tends to be a big issue with our athletes. Of course, at the Olympics, you can engage with cuisines from all over the world in the main dining area. But we pressed the organizers to include a wider South Asian menu for our athletes. Athletes are anyway out of their comfort.”

This move is expected to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to Indian athletes amidst the intense competition environment of the Olympics. With flavors reminiscent of home, athletes can focus better on their performances without worrying about adjusting to unfamiliar cuisines.

The inclusion of Indian dishes reflects a growing trend in international sporting events to cater to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of athletes from different cultural backgrounds. It also underscores the importance of ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of athletes beyond the arena, acknowledging the role of food in their overall performance and experience.

As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, Team India can look forward to not just competing on the global stage but also savoring a taste of home thousands of miles away. With dal, roti, aloo-gobi, and chicken curry on the menu, these Olympics promise to be a culinary journey as much as a sporting spectacle for the Indian contingen