Lakshya Sen’s Winning Recipe: Family and Home-Cooked Meals at the Olympics

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen is gearing up for one of the biggest matches of his life at the Olympics. With the semifinal match approaching, his family is by his side, making sure he has everything he needs to stay focused and energized.

One special ingredient in Lakshya’s success is his mother Nirmala’s cooking. She has been traveling with him for about a month, along with his father Dhirendra and brother Chirag, ensuring that he gets his favorite home-cooked meals every day.

Interestingly, Lakshya’s staple lunch isn’t always Indian cuisine. He often enjoys a mildly spiced chicken noodle soup, which Nirmala prepares while coordinating with his nutritionist.

Especially during training days in Bengaluru, he eats around 6-7 moderate meals. “Lunch is noodle soup, chicken, and vegetables cooked in stock,” Lakshya shared. “Sometimes it was chicken steak and sometimes pasta with chicken.”

Nirmala’s presence has been crucial for Lakshya, helping him feel comfortable and at home, whether they are in Marseilles or Paris.

His coach, Vimal Kumar, emphasized the importance of this support system. Viren Rasquinha from the Olympic Gold Quest said having his mother cook for him was vital for keeping Lakshya in the best mental state possible during this crucial competition.

Knowing that Lakshya tends to stay lean, Nirmala makes sure his pre-and post-match meals are timely. He needs to eat regularly to match his high energy expenditure, especially considering his fast metabolism.

<p“I have to really focus on eating the right protein and good carbs,” Lakshya explained. His diet has contributed significantly to his fitness as he prepared for the Olympics.

Even when traveling without his family, Lakshya ensures he sticks to his routine. He takes his smoothie maker everywhere, starting his day with smoothies filled with oats and fruits, followed by regular meals and protein shakes after training.

He’s learned to adapt his meals and even has a positive attitude towards foods he doesn’t particularly enjoy. “If I don’t like something, the nutritionist suggests alternatives. If the stomach is happy, the mood is happy,” Lakshya mentioned.

Despite enjoying the occasional grilled chicken from Nando’s, Lakshya has preferred the comforts of his mother’s cooking during his stay in Paris. Even when asked about cravings for treats like ice cream or chocolate, he waved off the idea, focusing solely on his goal.