Pakistani boxer’s aversion to ‘Narendra’ name shared with PM Modi
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 repeated presence in Berwal’s life.
The encounter took place at the 2015 World Military Games, where Berwal had defeated the Pakistani boxer. Following the bout, during which both boxers sustained cuts requiring hospital treatment due to a head collision, the Pakistani opponent expressed his aversion. Berwal recounted the incident, quoting the Pakistani boxer as saying, “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’.” The remark reportedly prompted laughter from Prime Minister Modi.
A Humorous Encounter Recalled
The anecdote was shared on Sunday when Prime Minister Modi met with Indian athletes who had secured medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Berwal, who earned a silver medal in the men’s 90+ kg category at the Games, was among those present at the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi. The video of this interaction was later shared on the Prime Minister’s YouTube channel and other social media platforms, quickly gaining attention.
The incident highlights a cultural nuance, as ‘Narendra’ and ‘Narender’ are variations of the same name, with spellings often differing based on regional phonetics. Berwal himself hails from Haryana, while Prime Minister Modi is from Gujarat.
India’s Boxing Success at Commonwealth Games
India achieved its best-ever boxing performance at the Commonwealth Games with a total of 10 medals. This impressive haul surpassed the previous record of six gold medals, which was jointly held by England (in 1934 and 2018) and Canada (in 1986). The Indian boxing team secured seven gold and three silver medals in the sport during the 2026 Games.
Overall, India concluded its campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow with a total of 39 medals. This included 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze medals, placing the nation fourth in the overall medal standings. The Games concluded after 11 days of competition, with Scotland formally transferring the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India. India is slated to host the landmark centenary edition of the multi-sport event in Ahmedabad in 2030.
Ministerial Reaction to the Anecdote
The anecdote shared by Narender Berwal also drew a reaction from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. On Monday, Mandaviya posted on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi, stating, “Narendra naam ka khauf hai Pakistan mein,” which translates to, “The name ‘Narendra’ is feared in Pakistan.” This comment was made in direct reference to Berwal’s story about the Pakistani boxer’s strong sentiments regarding the name ‘Narendra’. Mandaviya’s post underscored the impact of the shared name, linking it to the humorous yet notable encounter on the international sporting stage.
The interaction between the athletes and the Prime Minister served as a moment to celebrate the dedication and hard work of the Indian medallists, acknowledging their contributions to bringing glory to the country. The story from Narender Berwal added a light-hearted element to the occasion, highlighting the unexpected ways in which names can leave an impression, even in the competitive world of sports.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games marked a significant achievement for Indian boxing, with the team’s performance setting a new benchmark for the country in the sport.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Menon 