Athletes push their bodies to the limit, requiring a balanced and nutritious diet to fuel their rigorous training and competition schedules. But even the most dedicated Indian athletes have their favourite comfort foods! Let’s peek into the kitchens of 10 of India’s top athletes and discover the delicious dishes that keep them going.
10 Indian Athletes And What They Love To Eat!
1. Virat Kohli
This cricket superstar is known for his strict fitness regime, but he also enjoys indulging in his mother’s homemade chole bhature (a spicy chickpea curry with fried bread) and chicken biryani.
2. Mithali Raj
The “wall” of Indian women’s cricket is a big fan of home-cooked South Indian meals, particularly dosas (crispy rice crepes) and sambar (a lentil and vegetable stew).
3. Saina Nehwal
This badminton champion is a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys a diverse range of cuisines. Her favorites include Hyderabadi biryani, momos (steamed dumplings), and chicken Manchurian (an Indo-Chinese dish).
4. Ravi Kumar Dahiya
The Olympic gold medalist wrestler is a big advocate for traditional Indian meals. He often fuels his training with dishes like bajra roti (flatbread made from pearl millet) and saag (mustard green curry).
5. Mirabai Chanu
This weightlifting champion is all about wholesome and nutritious meals. Her typical diet features Manipuri kanghou, a protein-rich fermented soybean dish, along with local vegetables and fruits.
6. Deepak Chahar
The pace bowler enjoys the comforting flavors of litti chokha, a traditional Bihari dish consisting of stuffed flatbreads served with a spicy mashed potato side.
7. Hima Das
This “golden girl” of Indian athletics is a big fan of Assamese cuisine, especially masor tenga (tangy fish curry) and kholenji, a stir-fried dish made with leafy greens.
8. P.V. Sindhu
This badminton ace prioritizes healthy eating but enjoys occasional indulgences in appam (soft rice pancakes) and stew, a traditional Kerala dish.
9. Neeraj Chopra
The Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower enjoys the simple yet energizing combination of makki ki roti (corn flatbread) and sarson ka saag (mustard greens curry) from his Haryanvi roots. Want to know more about Neeraj Chopra? Read about his journey here!
10. Bhaichung Bhutia
The legendary football player is a big fan of momos, a staple food in his native Northeast India. He also enjoys indulging in thukpa, a noodle soup, perfect for chilly weather.
Last Note on These Indian Athletes and Their Favourite Dishes
Remember, this list is just a glimpse into the diverse culinary preferences of Indian athletes. Every individual has their unique dietary needs and preferences, and it’s important to consult a qualified nutritionist for personalized advice. But one thing is certain – these athletes know the importance of a balanced diet and find ways to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals to fuel their journeys to the top!