Indian boxers say opponents developed fear of them during the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and they describe this as an “India phobia.” The remarks are relayed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he honours Indian athletes after the team’s successful campaign.
In the accounts shared with Modi, the boxers link the shift in opponents’ attitudes to India’s rising prominence in global sport. The reports place the comments alongside recognition for athletes including Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain, who are among those being honoured following the Commonwealth Games.
While both outlets frame the same core message—boxers describing widespread concern among rivals—the wording varies. One report emphasizes that “everyone was scared,” while another presents a similar sentiment as “everyone was scared of us.” Both describe the statements as part of the broader celebration and recognition of India’s Commonwealth Games performance, without providing additional detail on individual matches or specific incidents.
