Axar 2/2: [What are the food options like in Japan?] There are Indian restaurants here, and we are getting packed food from them and eating that. But yes, we are getting food. There are three or four good Indian restaurants, and they make good food, so we are having packed food from them. But it’s very good. Obviously, cricket isn’t played that much in Japan, but I think the job they are doing is very commendable. In terms of the ground and the atmosphere, I think they are doing a very good job within their capabilities. And in the coming years, I think it will be upgraded and they will provide even better conditions (for cricket). [How has your Games Village experience been so far?] I think the first experience has been very good. It’s a different experience. Earlier, when we travelled with the team to Australia, England and other places, it was a different experience. But being here with (other) athletes during these Games, and coming here to play at the Asian Games, you know, everyone has an ID card, and people look at you differently when they see it because they know you are an athlete. It’s the first time I’ve experienced something like this. Even when you are walking around, if you have an ID card, people look at you differently and think, “Oh, he’s an athlete.” So that’s been a different experience. [What would winning gold for India mean personally?] If you win gold, it’s a different experience. Yes, we have won the World Cup and other tournaments, but when you play for India, obviously, when you play with the BCCI, you are also playing for India. But this is different because you are being awarded a gold medal and you have come to play for your country at the Asian Games. It’s a new experience, and I think it’s very important. The way we are playing our cricket, I think we have a good chance of winning gold, and it’s a very good opportunity. For me, it would be a very proud moment.
