New Delhi: Indian hockey player Hardik Singh recalled the moment when the national team players weren’t recognised by people at a airport with social media influencer by the name of ‘Dolly Chaiwala’ grabbed all the attention.
Hardik was part of India’s back-to-back podium finish at the Olympics in Tokyo (2021) and Paris (2024). In the recent edition of the Summer Games in Paris, India claimed bronze medal in men’s field hockey under the leadership of captain Harmanpreet Singh. India beat Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal playoff match. The Indian defender was the tournament’s leading goal-scorer (10 goals).
The surprising thing is Indian hockey players don’t gain the recognition despite bringing laurels to the country. While speaking in a podcast, midfielder Hardik Singh said the Indian hockey team wasn’t recognised when they were at an airport in the country. However, people didn’t fail to meet with Sunil Patil, who is profoundly known as Dolly Chaiwala.
“I saw Dolly Chaiwala from my own eyes at the airport. Harman, me, Mandeep and 4-5 members of the team were together. People were clicking pictures with Dolly Chaiwala but couldn’t recognise us. Harman bhai has scored more than 150 goals (200) and Mandeep has more than 100 goals (117),” Hardik told SMTV YouTube channel in a Punjabi podcast.
“For an athlete fame and money is a different thing, but when people appreciate, there is no bigger thing for players than it,” Hardik added.
Dolly Chaiwala shot to prominence after shooting a promotional video with American billionaire Bill Gates in February this month. He is known for his unique way of serving tea to his customers.
India retains Asian Champions Trophy title in China
After the Paris Olympics bronze, the Indian men’s hockey team went to Hulunbuir, China, to defend their gold medal in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024. India got past a determined hosts China 1-0 in the final after Jugraj Singh found the winner through a Harmanpreet pass from near the circles.
India will next host Germany, the silver medallist of Paris Olympics, in a two-match series in New Delhi on October 23 and 24.
Indian hockey player Hardik Singh recalled the moment when the national team players weren’t recognised by people at a airport with social media influencer by the name of ‘Dolly Chaiwala’ grabbed all the attention. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
