By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 31 Jan: At the Maharana Pratap Sports College campus, here, the players’ meal tables display not only the names of each item but also their calorie and protein content. For example, “Saag Chana” (greens and chickpeas) shows 140 to 160 calories and 8 to 10 grams of protein per 100 grams. The goal is simple—to ensure players maintain their fitness while enjoying their meals.
When the quality of food was discussed with Gyamar Kama, a player from the Arunachal Wushu team, her feedback was positive. She said, “Displaying the amount of protein and calories in the food is a good initiative.” In the background, two kitchens have been set up at the Maharana Pratap Sports College campus for food preparation, and most of the meals are being prepared here. Additionally, meals are also being sent to the Parade Ground, where separate sporting events are being held. To ensure players get hot meals there, a satellite kitchen has been established at the sports venue.
According to Avadesh Dhondiyal, who is overseeing the catering arrangements, athletes are being served fresh meals according to their prescribed diet plans. Additionally, the use of strong spices in the food is being minimised. A total of 18 food points have been set up at, both, the Maharana Pratap Sports College and Parade Ground, catering separately to athletes, staff, officials, and the media.
During the National Games, there is a push to promote pahadi (hill) cuisine and millets, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally branding them. Players have also shown a liking for these options. Athletes are being served traditional items like Jhangora rice, Badi (fermented dough), Aloo ke Gutke (spicy fried potatoes), Gahath (kulthi beans), and a mix of Urad dal (black gram). Ganesh, a player from Odisha’s rugby team, mentioned, “Millets are being served in abundant quantities, and this is a great effort.”
