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Japan's Secret Weapon: Chefs Travel to World Badminton Champs
24 Aug
Summary
- Japanese badminton players travel with their own chefs to major events.
- A team of five, including chefs and directors, prepares familiar meals.
- Ajinomoto, a food brand, supports this initiative for athlete nutrition.
The Japanese badminton contingent at the World Championships travels with its own dedicated chefs, a tradition initiated in 2017. This unique support system, facilitated by the food brand Ajinomoto, ensures athletes receive familiar and nutritious Japanese meals during major events. A team of five professionals, including chefs and nutrition directors, accompanies the players. They prepare customized meals with ingredients they meticulously pack, including spices and seasonings.
The Ajinomoto team prepares by arriving months in advance to scout locations and set up kitchens, often near the athletes' hotels. They then prepare daily meals, typically consisting of white rice, a main dish, a side dish, and miso soup, packed into lunch boxes for consumption at the stadium according to the players' training schedules. This culinary backup is considered vital for athlete recovery and consistent performance.
This initiative, part of Ajinomoto's 'Victory Program,' extends beyond badminton to support athletes in sports like swimming and judo. The program aims to enhance athlete performance at the world level by ensuring proper nutrition, a crucial element in achieving success in international competitions.
