NEW DELHI: Responding to letters from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Hockey India (HI) following national men's hockey team chief coach Harendra Singh’s harsh criticism of the quality of food and the hygiene level at the its centre in Bengaluru, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has said that it will take “strict action” following an “urgent meeting” called by the Director General.
ALSO READ: Just bugs & bones, no meat for hockey stars: Chief coach
A statement issued by SAI on Tuesday read: “We are deeply concerned about the quality of food and hygiene in the SAI centres. The problem in Bengaluru has come to the notice earlier during the Minister's visit in March this year . Orders have been issued to take corrective action which includes hiring a new cook, ensuring quality of raw food supply and improving hygiene.
“DG has called an urgent meeting of the Regional Heads to review the standard operating procedures and to lay down strict protocols . Regional Directors will be accountable to ensure quality food and hygiene. Monitoring systems are being put in place including surprise checks. Strict action will be taken.”
On Saturday, Harendra had written to HI, claiming that blood tests revealed that most of the hockey players have food related deficiencies which affects their performance at the optimum level ahead of the FIH Champions Trophy, Asian Games and FIH World Cup.
The experienced coach, who led India’s Under-19 junior men’s team to the World Cup title in 2016 and coached the women’s team to the Asia Cup in 2017, had written: “I would like to bring to your kind notice food quality at Bangalore SAI centre has been consistently well below par with a professional unit -- excessive oil and fat throughout and bones with lack of meats. Moreover, insects, bugs and hair were found in food of some of our players and staff.
"I would also like to inform you that hygiene part also to been neglected. The kitchen utensil which are used to prepare the food are unhealthy,” he added. “During one of the (national) camps before the Commonwealth Games, Sports Minister ( Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore) visited the camps gave instructions to competent (authorities) that within 48 hours these issues must be addressed. But in spite of Minister's instruction no change is visible."
ALSO READ: Just bugs & bones, no meat for hockey stars: Chief coach
A statement issued by SAI on Tuesday read: “We are deeply concerned about the quality of food and hygiene in the SAI centres. The problem in Bengaluru has come to the notice earlier during the Minister's visit in March this year . Orders have been issued to take corrective action which includes hiring a new cook, ensuring quality of raw food supply and improving hygiene.
“DG has called an urgent meeting of the Regional Heads to review the standard operating procedures and to lay down strict protocols . Regional Directors will be accountable to ensure quality food and hygiene. Monitoring systems are being put in place including surprise checks. Strict action will be taken.”
On Saturday, Harendra had written to HI, claiming that blood tests revealed that most of the hockey players have food related deficiencies which affects their performance at the optimum level ahead of the FIH Champions Trophy, Asian Games and FIH World Cup.
The experienced coach, who led India’s Under-19 junior men’s team to the World Cup title in 2016 and coached the women’s team to the Asia Cup in 2017, had written: “I would like to bring to your kind notice food quality at Bangalore SAI centre has been consistently well below par with a professional unit -- excessive oil and fat throughout and bones with lack of meats. Moreover, insects, bugs and hair were found in food of some of our players and staff.
"I would also like to inform you that hygiene part also to been neglected. The kitchen utensil which are used to prepare the food are unhealthy,” he added. “During one of the (national) camps before the Commonwealth Games, Sports Minister ( Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore) visited the camps gave instructions to competent (authorities) that within 48 hours these issues must be addressed. But in spite of Minister's instruction no change is visible."
Source : timesofindia[dot]indiatimes[dot]com
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