Indian boxer Narender Berwal had Prime Minister Narendra Modi laughing during a meeting with India's Commonwealth Games medallists after recounting a hilarious incident involving a Pakistani opponent. Berwal, who won silver in the men's 90+kg boxing category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, shared the story while meeting Modi at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi on Sunday.
Boxer's Pakistan Fight Story That Made PM Modi Laugh
The incident, which has now gone viral, revolves around a Pakistani boxer's unexpected remark about Berwal's name. According to News18, the CWG silver medallist recalled the moment that left PM Modi in splits.
The Pakistani boxer reportedly told Berwal, "Aapka naam Narender hai, aapke coach ka naam..." — a remark that took an unexpected turn and became the punchline of the story. The phrase "Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi" (I've come to hate the name Narendra) became the highlight of the interaction.
"Pakistani boxer said to me 'Aapka naam Narender hai, aapke coach ka naam...'" — Livemint
PM Modi's Reaction During Commonwealth Games Medalists Meeting
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi, where Modi interacted with India's Commonwealth Games medallists. The light-hearted moment came as Berwal shared his experience from the boxing ring, and the Prime Minister was seen laughing heartily at the story.
According to Livemint, the incident dates back to a 2015 encounter where the Pakistani boxer made the remark about not liking the name "Narender." The video of the interaction has been widely shared across social media platforms.
Watch: The Viral Moment from PM Modi's Meeting
The video footage shows PM Modi visibly amused by Berwal's storytelling, with the boxer narrating the incident in a way that had everyone in the room laughing. The moment highlights the lighter side of sports diplomacy and the camaraderie that can exist even between competitors from rival nations.
Berwal's silver medal performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was a significant achievement for Indian boxing, and his ability to share such moments with the Prime Minister shows the personal connections that sports can create.
Our Take: Sports Stories That Bring People Together
To put it plainly, this story is a refreshing reminder that sports can create moments of genuine human connection, even between athletes from countries with tense political relations. The fact that a boxer could share such a light-hearted story with the Prime Minister shows the power of sports to break down barriers.
In our view, this viral moment is more than just entertainment — it demonstrates how athletes can use their platforms to share positive experiences. Berwal's decision to recount this story in a government setting shows confidence and a sense of humor that resonates with people across the country.
The video serves as a reminder that behind the intense competition and national pride, there are personal stories and human moments that deserve attention. It also shows PM Modi's ability to connect with athletes on a personal level, making these meetings more than just formal ceremonies.
For readers, this story is a feel-good moment in sports news — a reminder that even in the most competitive arenas, there's room for laughter and shared humanity.
