Players return disappointed and hungry from Indian Embassy after being fed only peanuts

08/17/2016

The Indian Olympic contingent was invited to an Independence Day function hosted by the Indian Embassy on Sunday. However, the evening ended on a disappointing note for the Indian athletes who were expecting dinner to be served after their long journey, only to be provided with beer and peanuts.

"It was all about peanuts. We expected a dinner at least but what they served was beer and some soft drinks, and peanuts.

"We had cancelled our dinner at the Games Village and came all the way. It's really disappointing," he said as they were taken in two buses to the venue,” an unnamed Indian hockey player said, reported PTI.

When Indian Chef de Mission Rakesh Gupta was asked to confirm this report, he said, "You please talk to the hockey players, they would say it better. I just made a flying visit and returned to be on time for the boxing bout of Vikas Krishan."

The event, hosted by the Indian Embassy in Brazil and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport (MYAS), was a low-key affair with a host of Indian athletes skipping it due to their involvement at the Games. The Indian hockey team attended the event, though, and they were greeted with a speech by Rajiv Yadav, Secretary of the Sports department of the MYAS.

"It's a special day (I-Day) in our life. I also congratulate our players are doing a job for our nation. Good luck to the Indian team for the remaining events. Many in last eight of the competition.

"Victory at this level depends on several factors, you are included, only matter of small things. Our athletes in top eight, we must congratulate them for that,” Yadav was quoted as saying in his welcome speech by the PTI.

Sunil Lal, the ambassador of India in Brazil, also congratulated the athletes. He said, "I congratulate all of them for the superlative performances they have put in. You are the pride of our nation. This is just a process. You have come close, Dipa created history, Abhinav came fourth. There will be many more. All our best wishes to our athletes.”

Pawandeep Singh Kohli, the Chief Medical Officer for the Indian contingent, was also present at the event, and he confirmed the news about the lack of food.

"They all were asking me about the food... But the function was fine," Kohli told PTI.