'We are representing our country': Mandeep Mor opens up on Dolly Chaiwala incident post Olympics triumph

India hockey player Mandeep Mor.

Nagpur's renowned tea-seller, Dolly Chaiwala, has achieved celebrity status, and a recent incident highlights this. At an airport, where members of the Indian hockey team—fresh from their bronze medal triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics—and Dolly Chaiwala were present, an unexpected scene unfolded. Instead of approaching the hockey champions, people flocked to Dolly Chaiwala for selfies. However, India's Mandeep Mor revealed such instances does not effect the team's hunger to bring glory for their country in any form.

Speaking in an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Mandeep was asked, "Even after winning a medal for India at the Olympics, Fans didn't recognize the players at the airport but recognized Dolly Chaiwala, how does the team and you as a player still keep yourself motivated to give your level best for the country?"

"We motivate ourselves because we don't see who is watching us. We are representing our country and our motivation is the medal. Our team had worked so hard and we got the results. We are very motivated by seeing that. We don't see who is doing what," said Mandeep on the incident.

India extended their bronze medal streak at the Paris Olympics with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Spain. This achievement builds on their historic bronze at Tokyo 2020, which broke a 41-year medal drought in hockey. With a total of 13 Olympic medals, including eight golds, one silver, and four bronzes, India remains the most successful hockey team in Olympic history.

Speaking about the mood in the camp during the Olympics campaign Mandeep said," At that time we just had to work hard. We didn't think much. We just had to work hard and win medals for the country. Everyone was in preparation mood. Everyone was thinking about everything like playing our best and then recovery, etc. Everything was done on time. So there is a feeling that we have to do it. And at the end you must have seen that we achieved it."

The return of the Hockey India League (HIL)

Anticipation has been building for the return of the Hockey India League (HIL), especially after the Indian men’s team clinched back-to-back Olympic bronze medals. Five months after their podium finish in Paris, the reimagined HIL is finally set to launch.

Also Read - Hockey India League massive opportunity for juniors, I can only imagine how thrilled they must be: Krishan Pathak

This marks the comeback of the men’s competition, which last took place in 2017, and a historic debut for the women’s league. The revival of HIL couldn’t have come at a better time, offering a crucial boost for hockey in the country.

When the league first debuted in 2013, India was ranked 11th in the world and third in Asia, with its last Olympic medal dating back to 1980. Over the years, HIL proved instrumental in fostering talent and uniting the core players who later secured medals at the 2021 and 2024 Summer Olympics.

"It is a very good thing that HIL is returning after 7 years. Our young players have a good chance to perform well and get selected for the Indian team. So that our young talent doesn't get suppressed. They can represent our country and do better.," said Mandeep on the return of HIL.

Mandeep Mor will play for the Kalinga Lancers in the upcoming HIL season. He was bought for Rs 19 lakhs at the auction.