'You are what you eat,' they say. So, what exactly is it that makes a champion? We bring you a closer look into the diet of champion boxer Pooja Rani
What's one meal you're likely to eat over and over again during the week?
Omelettes! I love omelettes!.
What is one dish you enjoy cooking for yourself?
I don't like working in the kitchen at all [laughs], but when I'm free I try stuff. I made something with bread the other day during lockdown, watching a YouTube video and it was very good. I forget the name of the dish now [laughs]..
What's a typical meal for you on match days during tournaments?
My nutritionist makes a diet chart for me for competitions - what to eat before a fight, how long before a fight, what to eat after making weight. The chart will even have how much water I must drink that day. Because I follow this plan regularly [even when not in competition], I don't have a problem making my weight cut, either.
Which is your favorite country to eat out when you're traveling for tournaments?
I don't think of [any country] as special, like that.
If you could introduce one Indian specialty dish to players from other countries, what would it be?
I love dry non-veg, so maybe something like Tandoori chicken!
If you could reward yourself with a cheat meal after a win, what would it be?
I sometimes eat Pizza, but I hate burgers. I do like sweets, though!
Whichever tournament I go to, there'll be a 'sweets corner'. I always go there! And my coach always keeps an eye on me, knowing I'll go there [laughs]. We make a sweet in Haryana, called puda. I love it. Whenever I go home, I always have that.