Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Indian Athletes Adapt to Japanese Food for Asian Games
Indian athletes are getting ready for the Asian Games in Japan.
They are learning to eat Japanese food like sushi and onigiri, and they are also learning about Japanese customs.
The Sports Authority of India is helping by serving Japanese food at their training centers.
The athletes are being taught to use chopsticks, bow as a greeting, and keep quiet on the team bus.
This is to make sure they feel comfortable and respect the local culture when they go to Japan for the games.
Some athletes are finding it hard to get used to the new food, but the organizers are trying their best to help.
Indian athletes are adapting to Japanese food and culture ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is serving vegetarian sushi and onigiri at training centers to familiarize athletes with Japanese cuisine.
Athletes are being taught to use chopsticks, bow as a greeting, and maintain silence on the team bus.
Workshops and sessions are being held at SAI centers to educate athletes about Japanese customs and etiquette.
Athletes have been hesitant about the new cuisine, with feedback indicating initial reluctance.
- Who
- Indian athletes preparing for the Asian Games 2026
- What
- Adapting to Japanese food and culture
- When
- Preparations ongoing, Games from September 19 to October 4, 2026
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Why
- To respect local culture and ensure athletes are comfortable with Japanese customs
- Event
- Asian Games 2026
- Location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Dates
- September 19 - October 4, 2026
- Initiatives
- Vegetarian sushi and onigiri introduced at SAI centres
- Cultural Training
- Workshops on Japanese customs and etiquette
- Challenges
- Athletes hesitant about new cuisine