New Delhi: Coach Harendra Singh on Monday said “insects, bugs and hair” were found in the food served to the men’s hockey team currently undergoing training at the Sports Authority of India Centre, Bangalore.
Bringing to notice the sub-standard quality of food and lack of hygiene, Harendra complained to Hockey India in writing and called for quick action to ensure the team’s nutrition requirements were met at the earliest.
Harendra, appointed in his new role last month, had in fact refused to eat at the SAI Centre mess on day one of the ongoing national camp asking the caretakers to “cook proper food for his players” who are preparing for the Champions Trophy.
Said Harendra, “It (food hygiene) has been a problem from day one. The food is of poor quality, utensils are shoddy and there is no hygiene. “On the very first day, I had asked them to prepare food again since what was offered to the players was not fit for consumption. It was either too oily or stale. How can you treat national players like this? They had to wait for one hour for their meals that day.
“They all have a fixed schedule and require nutrition, which goes a long way in preparing a team. There cannot be any compromise on this.” This correspondent too witnessed the shoddy conditions during a visit to the SAI Centre Bangalore last week, where the national campers were served food in old and shabby utensils. Food quality appeared below par and players even carried their own utensils to the washing area.
In a letter addressed to Hockey India officials, Harendra wrote, “I would like to bring to your kind notice that food quality at Bangalore SAI centre has been below par with a professional unit — excessive oil and fat throughout, bones with lack of meat. Moreover insects, bugs and hair were also found in the food. Sir, I also would like to inform you that hygiene part has also been neglected.”
He added, “The kitchen utensils which are used to prepare food are unhealthy. We are preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Asian Games and World Cup. “Recently we conducted blood tests on all 48 athletes and the blood report found many food related deficiencies in some athletes which act as a hindrance to perform at the optimum level.”
Indian Olympic Association head Narinder Batra, also the former HI chief, has written to the sports ministry to address the issue. Said Batra, “The hon’ble minister (Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore) had visited SAI Centre Bangalore couple of months back and he is aware of this situation concerning the athletes and their food issue, hygiene issues etc. I humbly request SAI to kindly take care of food quality, hygiene, cleanness etc at SAI Centre Bangalore in interest of health and performance of elite athletes. If we expect elite athletes to perform at their best, then we also need to provide them with the best.”
Harendra added that Rathore had visited the facility last month but “no change was visible” despite the minister’s instructions to the authorities. The men’s team camp will continue till May 18 before they leave for the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands.
