‘I Hate The Name Narendra’: Boxer Narender Berwal’s Pakistan Story Leaves PM Modi Laughing

Sports

oi-Ashish Rana

Published: Monday, August 10, 2026, 19:05 [IST]

Indian boxer Narendra Berwal’s story about a Pakistani boxer made PM Narendra Modi laugh and got a witty response from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Narendra Berwal won silver medal in men’s 90+ kg boxing category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, he shared a story during a meeting with PM Modi in Delhi.

What Pakistani Boxer Told Narender

According to Boxer Narendra Berwal, the Pakistan boxer noticed that his name and his coach both was named Narendra, he then also pointed out how India’s PM is also Narendra.

Berwal quoted him as saying, “Bhai jaan… Mujhe Narendra naam se nafrat ho gayi hai,” meaning, “Brother dear, I have come to hate the name ‘Narendra’!”

This story made PM Modi laugh during the interaction with players, later the same conversation was shared on PM Narendra Modi’s social media account.

India’s Historic Boxing Show In Glasgow

India ended the 2026 Commonwealth Games with 39 medal, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, coming fourth in overall medal tally.

Berwal’s story came during the celebration of India’s best performance at Glasgow Commonwealth Games and he was from the 10 Indian boxers who won medals. India won seven gold, three silver medals in boxing.

Mansukh Mandaviya Reacts To Narender Berwal’s Story

Later Mansukh Mandaviya responded to boxer’s account on X, while writing, “Narendra naam ka khauf hai Pakistan mein (The name ‘Narendra’ is feared in Pakistan).”

नरेन्द्र नाम का खौफ है पाकिस्तान में… pic.twitter.com/h4Kk0AxPqp

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 10, 2026

The comment referred from the incident Berwal told from 2015 World Military games. He said he defeated Pakistani boxer and both boxers later went to hospital after suffering cuts when their head collided.