Pakistani boxer's amusing reaction to Narender Berwal amuses PM Modi

NEW DELHI: A Pakistani boxer's unusual reaction after losing to Indian heavyweight Narender Berwal left Prime Minister Narendra Modi amused during an interaction with India's Commonwealth Games 2026 medallists on Sunday.

Berwal, who won silver in the men's 90+kg category in Glasgow, recalled an incident from his boxing career when he defeated a Pakistani opponent at the 2015 World Military Games. The boxer said his opponent was left bewildered by the repeated appearance of the name 'Narender' in his life.

‘Mujhe Narendra naam se nafrat ho gayi hai’

Recalling the exchange with Modi, Berwal said: “Pakistani boxer said to me, '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'...” The anecdote was part of a light-hearted interaction between Modi and India's medal winners at his residence in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister congratulated the athletes for their performances and heard them recount some of the most memorable moments from their Glasgow campaigns. Berwal's silver was part of India's historic boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games. The Indian boxers returned from Glasgow with 10 medals, including seven golds and three silvers — their best-ever haul at the Games. India finished fourth overall in Glasgow with 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze — despite competing in a smaller contingent and a reduced sporting programme.

Jadumani's Kargil connection

Another boxer, Jadumani Singh, shared a more emotional story from Glasgow, recalling his victory over a Pakistani opponent on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Jadumani, who won silver in the men's 55kg category, defeated Pakistan's Sumama Rehman 5-0 in the round of 16.

Speaking to Modi, the boxer, who is associated with the Indian Army, explained why the date made the victory particularly significant.

“It was Kargil Day. The day I fought against Pakistan was on that day. Being from the Indian Army, I was very determined that I had to beat Pakistan. I defeated them 5-0 and dedicated it to our Indian Army heroes,” Jadumani said.

Modi praised the significance of the victory and its dedication to the Kargil heroes. “Remembering that, especially since you are from the forces yourself... I truly believe the sentiment you expressed, dedicating your medal to the Kargil winners, added extra glory to that victory. And you defeated exactly the one you were supposed to!” Modi said.

The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days of competition, with Scotland handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, which will host the 2030 edition in Ahmedabad.