In a recent podcast, Indian hockey midfielder Hardik Singh shared an unexpected experience. Singh, part of the bronze-winning Paris Olympic team, criticized the lack of attention for hockey players at the airport. He compared it to the attention given to Dolly Chaiwala, a viral tea vendor. Singh recalled the incident during an SMTV YouTube podcast. He was at the airport with fellow hockey players Harmanpreet and Mandeep. Instead of recognizing them, the crowd gathered around Dolly Chaiwala for pictures. Hardik was shocked, noting Mandeep and Harmanpreet had scored over 100 and 150 goals, yet were ignored by fans.
The Khel India posted the video on the social media site X, eliciting a wide range of responses. Numerous individuals vented their annoyance and referred to the event as “shameful.” “It is sad that people ignore those who are the pride of the country,” a social media user commented. Rather, they honor a person who is renowned just for tea. “This is so shameful; our Indian hockey team deserves much better,” said a second person. It’s about time India gave equal recognition to all sports, not just cricket, as another person noted. Another user made the observation that talent isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for fame in this nation.
Dolly Chaiwala, whose real name is Sunil Patil, rose to fame through his work with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The tea vendor from Nagpur is well-known for his distinctive method of brewing tea. A food YouTuber recently stated that Patil now wants opulent accommodations while visiting events and costs Rs 5 lakh for them.
Internet users have been criticizing the power of the internet for making insignificant people famous while real athletes, such as Olympians and other players, remain unacknowledged. Many express pity for these underappreciated athletes and dissatisfaction with the way the internet’s power biases attention and recognition.
