New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medalists, the Indian Hockey team were left bemused by the fan reactions as people chose to give cognizance to the presence of celebrity tea seller Dolly Chaiwala while ignoring the Indian hockey team. The Indian Hockey Team have enjoyed decent success in recent times which saw them clinch back-to-back medals as well as the recent Asian Champions Trophy triumph in China.
But all those success seems to have fallen under the blind eyes of the fans who are regimented based on stardom and flamboyancy. This tendency on the part of the fans is detrimental to the development of sports in the country. A country which has seen so much success in Hockey during the Olympics, Cricket remains the dominant sport due to its ability to generate overnight superstars.
Hardik Singh’s dismay says it all!
Although the incident was not reported far and wide on various media circles, Indian hockey players remember the entire incident crystal clear.
In a recent podcast with SMTV YouTube, Singh remarked-
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 and did not recognise us…
Singh further added that the ‘irresponsible’ reaction on the part of the fans made the entire team embarrassed. Furthermore, the 26-year-old athlete said that such an action also belittles the back-breaking contributions made by Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep. Harmanpreet has more than 150 goals while Manpreet has more than 100 field goals.
In conclusion, Hardik added that acknowledgement plays a major role in boosting player morale in sports. Naturally, the Indian hockey star urged his countrymen to step up and support the Indian hockey contingent actively.
India vs Germany test series
The Indian men’s hockey team will host reigning world champion Germany for a two-match series at New Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on October 23-24.