The Dutch Olympic team in Paris has scored five microwave ovens to be able to offer its athletes an alternative to the food provided in the Olympic village dining area, the Telegraaf said on Friday.

Several Dutch sportsmen and women have been complaining about the availability of food in the village, hence the emergency supplies, the paper said.

“The food is good, French cuisine is good, but it has to be there,” NOC*NSF director André Cats told reporters during a press briefing. Plan B involves sending top quality frozen meals for athletes to Paris, he said.

The Netherlands has sent a record 276 athletes to the games. The biggest group – 47 – will take part in track and field events, up four on three years ago. In total, 33 Dutch men and women will take part in the rowing competition, and 33 make up the hockey squad.

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The number of female athletes outstrips the men by 162 to 114, Nu.nl said. The youngest qualifier is 18-year-old breakdancer India Sardjoe, the oldest is equestrian Hans Peter Minderhoud, who is 50.

Dutch medal hopes are concentrated on the athletics and cycling tracks, in the water and on the hockey pitch, where both the men’s and women’s teams are among the favourites.