Nalanda / Patna : As the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 prepare to kick off in Bihar’s Nalanda district next month, organisers are serving up more than just athletic excellence. From May 4-15, over a thousand young athletes and officials will be treated to a thoughtfully curated menu that blends nutrition with local flavour.
The Nalanda district administration, tasked with hosting the event, has released a detailed outline of meal plans designed to keep energy levels high and spirits even higher. Spread across breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner, the menu features a mix of traditional Bihari dishes and pan-Indian favourites, with a firm focus on health, hygiene and cultural pride.
A taste of tradition
Among the regional highlights making their way to the players’ plates are sattu paratha, dal pitha and chana ghugni — all nutrient-rich and locally sourced. These are complemented by more familiar fare such as paneer bhurji, vegetable upma, and boiled eggs for breakfast, ensuring a balanced start to each day.
Lunch menus rotate between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like dal makhani, paneer lababdar, chicken masala, and fish curry, accompanied by pulao, salads, curd, papad and a variety of Indian breads. Desserts such as gulab jamun and carrot halwa add a sweet note to midday meals.
For evening high tea, athletes will enjoy snacks ranging from samosas and muffins to moong dal bhajiya and fried idlis — ideal fuel for evening practice sessions or competitions.
Dinner rounds off with offerings like chicken korma, paneer pasanda, lemon pulao and jalebi with rabdi, promising comfort and recovery after a day of sporting action.
Scaling up for thousands
The event is set to accommodate up to 1,959 participants on its busiest day, May 9, starting with 292 people on May 3 and tapering to 777 by May 16. The administration has floated tenders to ensure food quality and timely service, with an emphasis on meeting FSSAI standards. Plastic utensils have been strictly banned, and hygiene protocols are expected to be rigorously enforced by the catering agencies involved.
Fuel for champions
For the athletes, the event isn’t just about winning medals but also about experiencing local hospitality at its finest. With a menu that celebrates both health and heritage, the district aims to ensure that participants leave with more than just memories of matches played.
