Indian Men’s Hockey Team Overlooked by Fans, Overshadowed by Internet Star Dolly Chaiwala at Airport
Indian Men’s Hockey Team Overlooked by Fans, Overshadowed by Internet Star Dolly Chaiwala at Airport
Despite repeating their Olympic success in Paris, members of the Indian men’s hockey team faced an embarrassing moment as fans ignored them in favor of taking selfies with internet sensation Dolly Chaiwala.
The Indian men’s hockey team made headlines with their triumphant return to the Olympic podium in 2021, ending a 41-year wait. They repeated the feat at the Paris Games last month by clinching the bronze medal. However, some of the team’s star players were left feeling awkward when fans at an airport snubbed them, opting instead to take photos with viral internet star Dolly Chaiwala.
Recalling the incident on a YouTube podcast, Indian midfielder Hardik Singh described the uncomfortable experience. “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 him and did not recognize us. We started looking at each other, feeling awkward,” said the 26-year-old playmaker who has become a key figure in the Indian team.
India’s men’s hockey team has a storied history, including eight gold medals between 1926 and 1980. Their recent victory over Spain, with a 2-1 win in Paris, added another chapter to this legacy. However, the stardom of internet personalities like Dolly Chaiwala sometimes eclipses the achievements of athletes.
Dolly Chaiwala, who gained fame through his unique tea-making style, became an internet sensation after serving tea to Bill Gates without recognizing the tech mogul. A video of the encounter posted by Gates on Instagram catapulted Dolly into the spotlight, making him a household name.
While the hockey team’s achievements are monumental, the recognition they receive sometimes pales in comparison to internet stars. Harmanpreet Singh, the team’s captain and a standout defender, has scored over 200 goals, primarily through his lethal drag-flicks on penalty corners. Forward Mandeep Singh, known for his agility and off-the-ball movement, has more than 100 field goals to his name, underscoring his exceptional talent.
“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 reflected, feeling proud of his 142 international caps.
Despite the momentary embarrassment, the dedication and accomplishments of the Indian men’s hockey team remain a testament to their enduring spirit and skill.
