Indian boxer Narender Berwal recently shared a humorous anecdote with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an interaction with Commonwealth Games 2026 medallists. The story involved a Pakistani opponent who developed a strong dislike for the name ‘Narendra’ after discovering its frequent appearance in Berwal’s life.
Berwal recounted the incident from the 2015 World Military Games, where he had defeated the Pakistani boxer. Following the bout, both boxers required medical attention for cuts sustained when their heads collided. It was during this time that the Pakistani boxer expressed his aversion to the name.
The Pakistani boxer reportedly told Berwal, “Aapka naam Narender hai, aapke coach ka naam Narender hai, aapke Pradhan Mantri ka naam Narendra hai. Mujhe Narendra naam se nafrat ho gayi hai.” This translates to, “Your name is Narender, your coach’s name is Narender, your Prime Minister’s name is Narendra. I have come to hate the name ‘Narendra’.” This remark caused Prime Minister Modi to laugh during the interaction.
The anecdote was shared on Sunday when Prime Minister Modi met with Indian athletes who had secured medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026. He congratulated them for their dedication and hard work in bringing glory to the country. A video of the interaction, including Berwal’s story, was shared on the Prime Minister’s YouTube channel and other social media platforms.
Narender Berwal himself was a medallist at the Commonwealth Games 2026, having won a silver medal in the men’s 90+ kg category. India’s boxing contingent achieved its best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games, securing a total of 10 medals. This haul surpassed the previous record of six gold medals, which had been jointly held by England in 1934 and 2018, and Canada in 1986.
India’s strong performance at Commonwealth Games
India’s overall performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow was notable, with the country finishing fourth in the overall medal standings. The Indian contingent secured a total of 39 medals, which included 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze medals. This strong showing highlighted the athletes’ efforts across various disciplines.
The anecdote shared by Berwal resonated with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who reacted to the story on social media. Mandaviya posted on X, stating in Hindi, “Narendra naam ka khauf hai Pakistan mein,” which translates to, “The name ‘Narendra’ is feared in Pakistan.” This comment referred to the impact of the name ‘Narendra’ as described by the Pakistani boxer.
The names ‘Narendra’ and ‘Narender’ are considered regional variations of the same name, with spellings differing based on phonetics. Berwal hails from Haryana, while Prime Minister Modi is from Gujarat.
The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days of competition. During the closing ceremony, Scotland formally handed over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India. India is scheduled to host the landmark centenary edition of the multi-sport event in Ahmedabad in 2030.
The interaction with the medallists underscores the importance of sports in national pride and diplomacy. The story of the Pakistani boxer’s reaction to the name ‘Narendra’ adds a unique, light-hearted dimension to the competitive spirit between the two nations.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games marked a significant achievement for Indian boxing, with the 10-medal haul contributing to the nation’s overall success.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 saw India’s boxing team secure seven gold and three silver medals, contributing to the nation’s best-ever performance in the sport at the event.
The future hosting of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030 further highlights India’s growing role in international sports.
The humorous exchange between Narender Berwal and the Pakistani boxer at the 2015 World Military Games remains a memorable moment in Berwal’s career.
Prime Minister Modi‘s interaction with the athletes on Sunday celebrated their achievements at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
