PM Modi praises boxer Lovlina Borgohain for objecting to distorted Indian map at Glasgow restaurant
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised boxer Lovlina Borgohain for objecting to a distorted map of India displayed at a restaurant in Glasgow during the 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying the incident reflected a deep sense of national pride.
Borgohain also shared her Commonwealth Games experience with PM Modi during an interaction with India’s medal winners at his residence, highlighting the country’s historic performance in boxing.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel on Monday, PM Modi recalled the Glasgow incident and praised Lovlina for raising the issue despite being in a celebratory mood after India’s strong performance.
During the interaction, PM Modi asked Lovlina about the incident involving the restaurant staff.
“What happened? Were you fighting with the restaurant people?” PM Modi asked.
Lovlina explained that after India’s strong performance on the final day of the competition, when several athletes won medals, she felt upset on seeing the distorted map and requested that it be corrected.
“Our performance was so good, and it was the last day. Everyone had won, and there were so many Indians there. I felt a bit bad (about the situation), so I spoke to them firmly and made a request, sir. They agreed, and things have changed now,” she said.
PM Modi said the incident showed that an athlete’s sense of national pride extends beyond the medal podium.
“In that moment of victory–happiness, joy, being with teammates after the games are over–in such a mood of fun and laughter, to look at that map and register it… the feeling for the country isn’t just on the surface while receiving a medal; it’s deep within. I’m telling the truth, this video of yours is extraordinary. People will remember it for a long time,” he said.
Praising the performance of Indian boxers at the Games, PM Modi said, “Now athletes from all over the world are becoming afraid of these boxers!”
Lovlina said Indian boxers had made a strong impact through their consistent performances.
“Definitely, everyone was scared. One gold medal after another was coming in. It was like a total blast at the end. The support we are getting, and the back-to-back competitions we have are big factors,” she said.
The Olympic medallist also credited the Khelo India initiative with helping young athletes emerge and strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.
“Many of our young athletes have come through the Khelo India scheme, and that is bringing a huge change to all sports,” Lovlina said.
India scripted history in boxing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, topping the medal standings with seven gold and three silver medals.
The 10-medal haul was India’s best-ever boxing performance at the Commonwealth Games, surpassing the previous record of six gold medals jointly held by England in 1934 and 2018 and Canada in 1986.
India finished its overall Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze — securing fourth place in the medal standings.
The Glasgow Games concluded after 11 days of competition, with Scotland formally handing over the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the centenary edition of the multi-sport event in 2030.
