New Delhi: Indian heavyweight boxer Narender Berwal had Prime Minister Narendra Modi in splits after sharing a humorous story about a Pakistani opponent during a recent interaction with India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 medallists.
Berwal, who won a silver medal in the men’s 90+ kg boxing category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, recalled an incident from his bout against a Pakistani boxer at the 2015 World Military Games.
The ‘Narendra’ Remark
While recounting the story to PM Modi, Berwal explained that after the bout, his Pakistani opponent made a memorable comment about his name.
The boxer reportedly said:
“Mujhe Narendra naam se nafrat ho gayi hai.”
The remark translates roughly to “I’ve come to hate the name Narendra.”
The comment was apparently made in frustration after facing Berwal in the ring. Given that Prime Minister Modi also shares the first name Narendra, the story took on an amusing additional dimension during their meeting.
The anecdote prompted laughter from PM Modi and others present at the interaction.
Sports Minister Joins the Fun
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also reacted to the story on social media.
Mandaviya wrote:
“Narendra naam ka khauf hai Pakistan mein.”
The comment, meaning that the name Narendra is feared in Pakistan, added another humorous twist to Berwal’s story.
Berwal’s Commonwealth Games Success
The light-hearted exchange came after another significant achievement in Berwal’s boxing career.
At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Berwal reached the final of the men’s 90+ kg category and secured a silver medal. His run was part of an outstanding campaign for India’s boxing contingent.
Berwal’s success has added to his growing international reputation. He previously won a bronze medal in the men’s +92 kg category at the 2022 Asian Games, an achievement for which PM Modi had publicly congratulated him.
From the Army to the Boxing Ring
Berwal is also a serving member of the Indian Army, and his sporting career has developed alongside his military service.
The super-heavyweight boxer, who was born in Hisar, Haryana, has represented India at several major international competitions. His combination of physical strength, international experience and competitive temperament has made him an important figure in India’s heavyweight boxing programme.
A Moment of Sporting Rivalry and Humour
The story illustrates how sporting rivalries can sometimes produce memorable moments beyond the competition itself.
The India-Pakistan sporting rivalry is often accompanied by intense emotions, but Berwal’s recollection offered a lighter moment. Rather than focusing on political tensions, the anecdote centred on a boxer simply being frustrated by repeatedly encountering an opponent named Narendra.
For PM Modi, the story was particularly amusing because of the shared first name.
Berwal Looks Ahead
Despite his Commonwealth Games silver, Berwal remains focused on future competitions. His recent performances have strengthened expectations around India’s heavyweight boxing prospects, and he has indicated his desire to return stronger in upcoming international events.
For now, however, it was his unexpected “I hate the name Narendra” story—not another punch or medal—that stole the spotlight during his meeting with the Prime Minister.
Key Highlights
- 🥊 Boxer: Narender Berwal
- 🇮🇳 Country: India
- 🥈 2026 Commonwealth Games: Silver medal, men’s 90+ kg
- 🇵🇰 Story: Pakistani opponent reportedly said he hated the name Narendra after losing
- 😂 PM Modi’s reaction: Laughed at Berwal’s anecdote
- 😄 Mansukh Mandaviya’s response: “Narendra naam ka khauf hai Pakistan mein”
- 🏅 Previous major achievement: Asian Games bronze medal in 2022
