The Indian men's hockey team, which clinched bronze at the Paris Olympics last month, was left embarrassed at an airport when fans ignored them in favour of internet sensation Dolly chaiwala. Despite the team's historic achievement of securing back-to-back Olympic podium finishes, some players were overlooked. Recalling the moment on a YouTube podcast, midfielder Hardik Singh shared how he and his teammates were unnoticed by fans at the airport. “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 recognise us. We started looking at each other (feeling awkward),” said Hardik, who plays a key role in India’s midfield.
The team had recently defeated Spain 2-1 in Paris to secure the bronze medal, repeating their success from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This continues India’s rich hockey legacy, which includes eight Olympic gold medals between 1926 and 1980.
Dolly chaiwala gained fame for his unique tea-making style and after serving tea to Bill Gates without knowing who he was. Gates later shared a video of the encounter on Instagram, catapulting Dolly to greater online fame.
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While the hockey players may have been overlooked, Hardik praised the achievements of his teammates. “Harmanpreet has scored more than 150 goals, Mandeep has more than 100 field goals,” he said.
India captain Harmanpreet Singh, known for his powerful drag-flicks, has now surpassed 200 career goals. Forward Mandeep Singh is celebrated for his off-the-ball movement and ability to create space in the opponent’s striking circle.
“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, reflecting on his 142 international caps.