Bhubaneswar: With a day left for the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships, the historic sports event in Bhubaneswar, athletes from across India and outside have already checked into different hotels in the state capital.
To ensure safe and quality food for the athletes, government officials organised a sensitisation programme with chefs and hotel staff. The officials also conducted surprise visits to the hotel kitchen to ensure that prescribed norms were being followed.
Around 800 athletes from 45 countries will participate in the five-day event. As many as 98 athletes from India, 17 from Iran and presentation team from London are already occupying rooms in Hotel Swosti Premium here.
“Food with high nutrient value and less oil and spices are being served to the delegates as per the guidelines issued by government officials. Altogether, 123 rooms are being occupied by the athletes. Each and every staff is pretty excited about serving the delegates,” said general Manager, Swosti Premium Aditya Prakash Jha.
There is a demand for typical Odia food ‘pakahla’ (water rice) and ‘dalma’ along with ‘keshar badam sharbat’. There is a buffet system includes both continental and Indian, he said.
“As most Indian athletes are staying in our hotel, we are planning to celebrate every medal they win,” he added.
The breakfast includes fruits, vegetables, confectioneries and other India food. Similarly, chefs have prepared a variety of chicken, fish and mutton dishes along with those with vegetables for main course, besides exotic deserts.