Narender Berwal in a chat with PM Modi (Img: X)
New Delhi: A light-hearted moment from the world of sports was recalled during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian boxer Narender Berwal, who shared a memorable incident from the 2015 World Military Games.
The anecdote involving an Indian and Pakistani boxer left PM Modi laughing during the felicitation ceremony held after Berwal won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
During the interaction at the Prime Minister’s residence, Berwal narrated how a Pakistani boxer made a humorous remark about repeatedly hearing the name “Narender” during their encounter.
Berwal said that after the match, the Pakistani boxer noticed that his name was Narender, his coach was also named Narendra Rana, and India’s Prime Minister was Narendra Modi.
According to Berwal, the boxer jokingly told him, “Your name is Narender, your coach’s name is Narendra, and your Prime Minister’s name is Narendra. I have started hating the name Narendra.”
The comment brought smiles among those present, with PM Modi also seen enjoying the humorous story.
नरेन्द्र बरवाल के मुक्के का असर ऐसा रहा कि सामने वाला आज भी ‘नरेन्द्र’ नाम नहीं भूल पाया! #Cheer4Bharat #CWG2026 #CWGIndia pic.twitter.com/60SHkXfBpN
— Gajendra Singh Patel (@gajendra4bjp) August 10, 2026
Recalling the incident, Berwal said his first fight at the 2015 World Military Games was against a boxer from Pakistan. Since the competition involved military athletes from both countries, he said Indian officials had encouraged him to give his best and not lose the bout.
Berwal went on to win the match, although both boxers suffered facial injuries during the contest and later visited a hospital together for treatment.
The incident was shared during PM Modi’s interaction with athletes following their performances at the Commonwealth Games. The Prime Minister congratulated the players and praised their contribution to India’s growing presence in international sports.
The meeting also highlighted how sporting events often create memorable moments beyond competition, bringing athletes from different countries together through shared experiences.
