# PM Modi laughs at boxer’s anecdote about Pakistani rival’s ‘Narendra’ hate

2026-08-10T12:40:45+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the name 'Narendra' is feared in Pakistan, reacting to boxer Narender Berwal's anecdote about a Pakistani opponent. During a meeting with PM Modi, Berwal recalled a 2015 World Military Games bout where his Pakistani rival said he had come to hate the name 'Narendra', a reference to both the boxer's name and PM Modi's first name. The remark left PM Modi laughing. Berwal, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, was part of India's record medal haul in boxing.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/narendra-the-name-feared-in-pakistan-sports-minister-mandaviya-reacts-to-boxer-s-anecdote-for-pm-modi-101786361030891.html>
- ndtvprofit.com <https://www.ndtvprofit.com/sports/pak-boxers-i-hate-the-name-narendra-remark-to-indian-pugilist-berwal-leaves-pm-modi-in-splits-11889931#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: boxing, Commonwealth Games, India-Pakistan relations, Mansukh Mandaviya, Narendra Modi, viral video
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