The sports ministry is introducing Japanese food to the athletes to acclimatise them to the Asian Games

Indian athletes preparing for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya are getting a taste of Japan soon, literally. To help athletes acclimate to local food options before arriving in Japan, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Southern Center in Bengaluru has added traditional Japanese dishes to its daily menu.

The initiative aims to prevent dietary problems and energy dips during competition, a problem that several Indian athletes have faced in previous international events. The menu now includes items such as Avocado and Cucumber Uramaki, Charred Hamachi, Shoyu Chicken Broth, Udon Noodles, and traditional izakaya-style rolls imitating the spread.

VIDEO | Bengaluru: SAI Bengaluru is launching a Japanese food acclimatization program ahead of the Asian Games. Among the dishes served are Avocado and Cucumber Uramaki, Charred Hamachi, Udon Noodles, Shoyu Chicken Broth, and Japanese Rolls.

Sumptuous menu va pic.twitter.com/Kfk9DXQceK— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 24, 2026

The strategy comes after athletes at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 games struggled with continental and local foods. During the Paris Paralympics, support staff even had to send 1,800 energy bars overseas to ensure athletes met their daily caloric requirements.

“The primary objective is to ensure that our athletes do not have food problems in Japan or that their performance does not suffer from a sudden change in diet,” said V Jeyaraj, SAI NSSC Chef.

Jeyaraj, who has previously worked with the military and in high-end international kitchens, said the team aims to match around 90% of the food profiles athletes will encounter at the Games Village.

GRADUAL MENU TRANSITION

Transitioning from everyday staples like dal, rice and roti to foreign cuisine required a step-by-step approach:

Starting high tea: Started with Japanese desserts and rolls to introduce basic flavors.

Appetizers: Added a small bite before regular lunch and dinner.

Main courses and live counters: Expanded to full Sushi, Sashimi and dedicated Ramen counters.

SAI had earlier used a similar dietary transition when the Indian hockey team toured Chile last year.

Food safety and standards

The meal program operates under strict food safety guidelines at the FSSAI centre’s five-star facility.

The campus is monitored for 97 parameters that include food storage, cooking methods, ingredient segregation and hygiene to ensure gut health and nutrition goals are maintained throughout the acclimation period.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

25 Jul 2026 16:20 IST