New Delhi, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian boxer Narender Berwal shared a humorous anecdote with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling how a Pakistani opponent jokingly developed a dislike for the name ‘Narendra’ after losing to him at the 2015 World Military Games.
Berwal, who won the silver medal in the men’s 90+kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, narrated the incident during his interaction with Modi at the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi on Sunday.
Recalling his meeting with the Pakistani boxer, Berwal told Modi that his opponent was surprised to discover that both the Indian boxer and his coach were named Narender, while India’s Prime Minister was also named Narendra.
“Your name is Narender, your coach’s name is Narender, and your Prime Minister’s name is Narendra. I have started to hate the name Narendra,” the Pakistani boxer had told him, according to Berwal.
The anecdote brought a light-hearted moment to the interaction as Berwal recalled the unusual episode from his boxing career.
Berwal was among the Indian athletes who met Modi following the country’s successful campaign at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Prime Minister congratulated the medal winners and praised their hard work and dedication in bringing laurels to the country.
India produced its best-ever boxing performance in Commonwealth Games history, winning 10 medals — seven gold and three silver.
The haul surpassed the previous record of six gold medals in boxing, achieved by England in 1934 and 2018 and by Canada in 1986.
India’s gold medallists in Glasgow were Preeti Pawar (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), Priya Ghanghas (60kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg) and Ankush Panghal (80kg).
Jadumani Singh (55kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Berwal (90+kg) won silver medals.
India finished fourth in the overall Commonwealth Games medal standings with 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze.
The 11-day Games concluded with Scotland formally handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India. Ahmedabad is set to host the centenary edition of the multi-sport event in 2030.
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