Narendra Berwal’s Journey from Rural Roots to Arjun Award Nomination

Born in 2009 in Sorakhi, a modest village of Hansi, Narendra Berwal began his boxing journey with a simple diet of milk, curd and halwa. After completing his matriculation, he devoted himself entirely to the sport under the mentorship of Coach Devaraj at the Bhiwani Boxing Academy.

In 2013, Berwal enlisted in the Indian Army, which provided him a platform to represent the country in several international tournaments. He earned a silver medal at the 2012 Youth World Cup in the Philippines, another silver at the 2013 Youth Asian Championship in Armenia, and a silver at the 2015 Military World Games.

His recent achievements include a bronze at the 2023 Asian Games and a gold medal at the European Cup six months later. At the 2026 Commonwealth Games, he secured a silver medal in the heavyweight category after a hard‑fought final against England’s Demer Thomas.

Now, as a nominee for the Arjun Award, Berwal attributes his success to sixteen years of relentless training, discipline and a balanced lifestyle. He aims to add Olympic gold to his growing list of honors.