The Indian men’s hockey team returned to the Olympic podium in 2021 after a wait of 41 years and repeated the feat at the Paris Games last month. But some of the members of that team were left embarrassed at an airport when the fans completely ignored them and queued up for selfies with internet star Dolly chaiwala.
Recalling the incident on a YouTube podcast, India’s midfielder Hardik Singh said the moment left him and his teammates embarrassed.
“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, who is the Indian team’s key playmaker.
India had defeated Spain 2-1 in Paris to retain the bronze medal they won in Tokyo to add to India’s glorious Olympic hockey history that saw the team winning eight gold medals between 1926 and 1980.
Dolly chaiwala’s claim to fame is his unique style of tea-making and the fact that he served tea to Bill Gates without knowing who he was. Gates put up that video on his Instagram handle, and Dolly became an even bigger internet star.
“Harmanpreet has scored more than 150 goals, Mandeep has more than 100 field goals,” said Hardik.
Harmanpreet, who is a defender, has scored most of his goals on penalty corners with his lethal drag-flicks. Forward Mandeep is an exceptional athlete, whose off-the-ball running and knack of creating space inside the opponents striking circle make him a special talent.
Harmanpreet’s tally of career goals, meanwhile, has swollen past 200 now.
“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,” said Hardik, feeling proud about his 142 international caps so far.