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Indian men’s hockey team won Asian Champions Trophy and (right) Dolly Chaiwala (X)
Despite their success in recent years, senior players from the hockey squad were completely ignored by some fans.
India’s hockey midfielder Hardik Singh has revealed a shocking incident where fans ignored him and his teammates for internet sensation Dolly Chaiwala. The Indian men’s hockey team managed a podium finish at the Olympics 2024, securing its consecutive bronze medal in the mega sporting event. Despite their success in recent years, senior players from the hockey squad were completely ignored by some fans who queued up for selfies with internet sensation Dolly Chaiwala at the airport.
Hardik recalled the incident on the SMTV YouTube podcast. “I saw it with my own eyes, at the airport. Harmanpreet [Singh], I, Mandeep [Singh]; there were 5-6 of us. Dolly Chaiwala was also there. People were getting themselves clicked with and did not recognise us,” he said.
Speaking about the moment, Hardik Singh said they were stunned and embarrassed by such treatment from the fans.
“We started looking at each other (feeling awkward),” Hardik said.
The 26-year-old athlete highlighted Harmanpreet Singh’s achievements for India and said, “Harmanpreet has scored more than 150 goals, Mandeep has more than 100 field goals.”
He concluded by talking about how acknowledgement plays a major role in boosting player morale in sports. “For an athlete, fame and money is one thing. But when people are watching you and appreciating you, there is no bigger satisfaction than that for an athlete,” Hardik added.
India ended their 41-year podium drought in Tokyo by beating Germany 5-4 in the bronze medal match. Earlier this year, they retained the crown in Paris after defeating Spain 2-1. The consecutive bronze finish added to India’s rich Olympic history in the sport where the team won eight gold medals between 1926 and 1980.
Hardik Singh has also significantly contributed to the squad in his 142 appearances for India. The team’s captain Harmanpreet Singh has proven to be a wall in Indian hockey. He has scored most of his goals on penalty corners with his signature lethal drag flicks. Mandeep Singh, on the other hand, has established himself as a playmaker who is known to create space inside the opponents’ striking circle.
As for Dolly Chaiwala, the internet sensation rose to fame with his unique tea-making style. He recently served Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates tea. Bill Gates later uploaded a video of his meet-up with Dolly Chaiwala on Instagram, making the internet sensation an even bigger star.
