KUALA LUMPUR: The India junior hockey team have a nagging problem with food at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in Johor Baru.
Coach CR Kumar's charges have the best spread available at their disposal from Western, Malaysian, European, Chinese to even chapatis at the SoJC.
However, his players' taste buds are refusing all.
And meat is their biggest problem, says Kumar.
"Many of my players are full vegetarians, while some are vegetarians on alternate days," said Kumar.
Kumar briefed his players, half of whom are making their international debuts, on the kinds of food to expect during the SoJC and that they must adapt to keep themselves energised.
"We (team officials) have even tried to sit in front of them while they eat.
"Although the players try to palate the 'foreign' food when we watch, they would dispose what's left on their plates when we are not watching," said Kumar.
Chapatis and dhal are occasionally served, but they do not taste the same as what they get back home.
"I believe Malaysian players also face the same food problem when they play in Europe. As the tournament enters into the knock-out stages, many picky players lose out on energy because of this problem."
However, India have done well despite not eating well as they are poised to play in the final if they beat Britain today.
FIXTURES
TODAY: Britain v India (4.05pm), Malaysia v Japan (6.05pm), Australia v South Africa (8.35pm).
* matches at Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru