What's in a name? Pak boxer's hate for 'Narendra'
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Commonwealth Games medallists to discuss their experiences and achievements. The event included lighthearted anecdotes about the name 'Narendra' and discussions on national pride and sports development.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of national politics and sports culture in India, emphasizing the role of athletes as national icons.
NEW DELHI: A Pakistani boxer who had "started hating" the name 'Narendra' after discovering that his Indian opponent, his coach and India's PM all shared the name drew laughs as Narendra Modi interacted with India's Commonwealth Games medallists Sunday.Boxer Narender Berwal recalled his encounter with a Pakistani opponent at the 2015 World Military Games, where he had defeated him. "Bhaijan, aapka naam Narender hai, aapke coach ka naam Narender hai, aapke Pradhan Mantri ka naam Narender hai. Mujhe Narender naam se nafrat ho gayi hai," Berwal recalled, triggering laughter from Modi and the athletes.Modi particularly lauded Lovlina Borgohain, silver medallist in the women's 75kg boxing event, for raising a map issue on the final day of the Glasgow Games. The Indian contingent had gone out to celebrate when she had noticed that a map of India at the restaurant did not show the North-East.
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