'I hate the name Narendra': Indian boxer's anecdote and PM Modi's response

NEW DELHI: No one pays attention to names in the boxing ring, but Commonwealth Games Medalist Indian boxer Narender Berwal has a different story to tell. Berwal's funny anecdote involving a Pakistani boxer even left PM Modi in splits.

The incident took place during the World Military Games held in South Korea in 2015. Both were hospitalised after getting injured in the match. During their stay at the hospital, an interesting conversation took place between the two boxers.

Berwal's prefix is Narender. His coach's name is Narendra. The name of India's Prime Minister is Narendra Modi. The Pakistani player, who noticed the three 'Narendras', jokingly told Berwal, 'I now hate the name Narendra'.

PM Modi, hearing the story from Berwal, burst into laughter at the reception given to the Commonwealth Games medalist in Delhi yesterday.

Berwal won silver in the above 90 kg category at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Team India also performed well. India finished fourth with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze.