World’s 1st International Young Chef Olympiad 2015

World’s First International Young Chef Olympiad 2015 was inaugurated in Kolkata on 29th Jan. In an Olympic style opening ceremony all the countries marched in along with their country flags amid cheers of the crowd. Participating countries were United States of America, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and team India which was represented by Dhriti,  3rdYr student of IIHM Jaipur, was greeted with the largest crowd cheer.  Mr Scott Furssedonn Wood, The British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata congratulated the teams. The Young Chef Olympiad trophy was unveiled by Dr Suborno Bose, Founder of YCO Initiative, Chairman of the Organizing committee of the Young Chef Olympiad followed by the grand entry of the Olympiad flag carried by 4 successful women of India who made Kolkata proud, Ms Madhumita Mohanta, Exe Chef, The Lalit Great Eastern – Kolkata, Siddhika Ghosh – Owner of Restaurant “The Wise Owl” in Kolkata, Chef Payal – Master Chef Finalist from Kolkata and Chef Preeti Singh.

The Oath taking ceremony was undertaken by representatives of the participants, judges and the Coaches. From India, Dhriti took oath on behalf of all the participants. Equally scintillating was the entry of the brightly lit Olympiad torch carried by Garima Poddar, Winner of the Young Chef India Schools 2014 contest held in London who along with all the contestants on the stage joined hands together to light up the flames carefully incorporated on the top of the cake. The flames of the Olympiad could be seen on the center of the cake, big and bright followed by the cake cutting ceremony.

30th January was the Preliminary and elimination round for the 15 countries and all competed against each other for the top 8 position.
The very distinguished team of judges was headed by Prof. David Foskett – Head, London School of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London, UK along with Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur of the Master Chef India fame, noted food critic and writer - Chef Karen Anand, Celebrity Italian Master Chef Roberto Boggio, and Chef Shaun Kenworthy. The top 8 countries that made it to the Grand final were Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, Kenya, France and India.

The Grand Finals were equally competitive with only vegetarian dishes to make. The Winner was Ashwin from Malaysia, followed by 1st runner up Marcin from Spain and 2nd runner up Tajinder from UK. Judges were impressed by the talent and introduced an award for the Outstanding Dish as well and was won by Ian from Kenya.

Ashwin, the 2015 Young Chef Olympiad winner, took home a cash award of $10,000 USD, a gold medal and memories from India to cherish for a life time.

For Pictures and more information log on to www.ycolympiad.com

Ashwin – Winner Young Chef Olympiad 2015 remarked - “I am utterly overjoyed from this whole experience provided by Young Chef Olympiad. It was an honor and privilege to be able to showcase my cooking to the esteemed panel of judges."

Ashwin Nicholos Oon, Team Malaysia, Winner 1st International Young Chef Olympiad 2015

Dr. Suborno Bose, Hospitality Visionary and Founder of the YCO Initiative remarked - “I dream to put India in the culinary map of the World. I dream of an India who will produce thousands of celebrity Chefs who would conquer the entire world. We promise to bring 100 countries in the 2nd International Young Chef Olympiad in 2022”

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman,  IIHM Global & Chairman, Executive Committee - YCO.

T.S Walia, President, FHRAI remarked - "Heartiest congratulations for the grand success of the YOUNG CHEF OLYMPAID. The federation heartily applauds for your efficient and skillful management. It could be no mean task to arrange for this international stage setting with 15 countries as participants."

T.S Walia, President, FHRAI.

Professor David Foskett, Head of the London School of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London remarked: "Fantastic event, IIHM is a world class leader in Hospitality."

Professor David Foskett, Head London School of Hospitality Tourism, University of West London, UK

Mr Scott FurssedonnWood, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata remarked - “Congratulations on this wonderful event. Inspiring to see so many young people passionate about food.”

Mr Scott FurssedonnWood, The British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata

Helen Grant MP, Minister for Sport and Tourism, Govt of United Kingdom remarked - “Concerning the ambitions of those individuals who represented the interests of the United Kingdom in the Young Chef Olympiad in India last week, it is always good to hear news of the talents and dedication of young people with such an obvious commitment.”

Helen Grant MP, Minister for Sport and Tourism, Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Government of United Kingdom.

Dr. Lalit K.Panwar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism remarked: “I convey my best wishes to the Institute for organizing such an International event and putting India in the culinary map of the world."

Dr. Lalit K.Panwar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.