'I hate the name Narendra': Indian boxer tells PM Modi what Pakistani opponent said after defeat

Indian boxer Narender Berwal shared a curious moment from his career with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after returning from the Commonwealth Games 2026, where he won a silver medal in the men's 90+ kg category.

During his interaction with PM Modi at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday, Berwal went back to an incident from the 2015 World Military Games. He recalled how a Pakistani boxer reacted after losing to him and pointed out how often the name Narendra appeared around Berwal's boxing career.

Pakistani boxer was surprised by the name Narender

Berwal told PM Modi that his opponent noticed that he, his coach and India's Prime Minister all had the same first name.


The boxer recalled the opponent's reaction after their bout and 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'..." Berwal said in a video shared on PM Modi's YouTube channel.


The exchange became one of the lighter moments Berwal chose to remember while speaking about his boxing journey.

PM Modi meets Commonwealth Games medallists

PM Modi met Indian athletes who won medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 and congratulated them for their effort and performances.

Berwal's silver medal contributed to India's strong showing in boxing at the Glasgow Games. India collected 10 medals in boxing, its best-ever medal tally in the sport at the Commonwealth Games.

The performance surpassed the earlier record of six gold medals jointly held by England in 1934 and 2018 and Canada in 1986.

India finishes Glasgow Games with 39 medals

India completed its Commonwealth Games campaign with 39 medals. The tally included 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals, putting the country fourth in the overall standings.

The Glasgow Games lasted 11 days before coming to an end.

India to host Commonwealth Games in 2030

The closing ceremony also marked the formal handover of the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India.

Ahmedabad is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be the centenary edition of the multi-sport event. The next edition on Indian soil will therefore carry added significance as the country prepares to host the Games for the second time.