As Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen gears up for his pivotal semifinal match against World No. 2 Viktor Axelsen at the Olympics this Sunday, he has the unwavering support of his family and the comfort of home-cooked meals. The Sen family has set up camp in an apartment near the Port de la Chapelle Arena, ensuring that Lakshya receives daily deliveries of nutritious food and smoothies to keep him in peak condition.
Lakshya Sen, who has made history as the first Indian man to reach the last-four stage in Olympic badminton, attributes much of his success to his mother, Nirmala Sen, and her culinary expertise. Along with his father, Dhirendra Kumar, and brother, Chirag, Nirmala has been traveling with Lakshya for nearly a month, meticulously preparing meals that adhere to his dietary needs.
Interestingly, the menu isn’t exclusively Indian. Nirmala, working closely with Lakshya’s nutritionist, has prepared a mildly spiced chicken noodle soup, which has become a staple for him. “Lunch is noodle soup, chicken and vegetables cooked in stock. Sometimes, it was chicken steak and sometimes pasta with chicken,” Lakshya Sen shared with The Indian Express before the Games. “My nutritionist, my mother and I work together.” This diet plan is carefully adjusted for supplements, and his physio checks his hydration every hour.
Coach Vimal Kumar emphasized the importance of having Nirmala nearby, stating, “We have ensured that his mother is close by so that he feels comfortable.” Viren Rasquinha, head of Olympic Gold Quest, added, “His mother has travelled and has been cooking for him daily. It was important that during a big event, he was in the best possible frame of mind.”
Nirmala’s role extends beyond cooking. She ensures that Lakshya’s pre- and post-match meals are perfectly timed, addressing his tendency to stay slim and susceptible to injuries due to his high metabolism. “I have a very high metabolism. So, I won’t gain weight even if I eat a little bit extra. But, for me, it’s important to keep eating. If I don’t eat and still train at a very high intensity, I tend to lose weight,” Lakshya explained.
When traveling without family, Lakshya makes sure to bring his smoothie maker, starting his day with a fruit smoothie and oatmeal. He prefers to stick with fresh food, avoiding processed options, and carries protein bars and local fruits. “If I don’t like something, the nutritionist suggests alternatives. If the stomach is happy, the mood is happy,” he said.
Though he enjoyed Nando’s grilled chicken and potatoes at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Lakshya has stayed loyal to his mother’s cooking in Paris. He remains focused on his goals, even saying he has no cravings for ice cream or chocolate, illustrating his dedication and discipline as he prepares for one of the biggest matches of his career.