‘I’m Just Like You, Ram-Ram’: PM Modi’s Warm Exchange With Haryana Boxer Wins Hearts

New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday struck a chord with athletes and young Indians while virtually addressing the Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025. A light-hearted and heartfelt exchange between the Prime Minister and a young boxer from Haryana has since gone viral, drawing widespread appreciation on social media.

During the interaction, Haryana boxer Neeraj Singh greeted the Prime Minister in a distinctly local style, saying, “Sir ji, Ram-Ram… kaise ho?” Smiling warmly, PM Modi replied in the same earthy tone, “Main tere jaisa hi hoon” (I’m just like you). The spontaneous response triggered smiles on both sides and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the event.

The brief yet engaging conversation reflected the Prime Minister’s connect with grassroots athletes and his ease in communicating in regional idioms. The video clip has been widely shared online, with many praising the Prime Minister’s simplicity and ability to make young sportspersons feel at ease.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized that opportunities in sports today are no longer limited but virtually limitless. He said India has created an environment where even children from the poorest families can dream big and achieve success at a young age. “The passion, determination and energy of our players are India’s real strength,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister added that the confidence he sees in athletes is the same confidence reflected in millions of Indian youths today. “This self-belief is driving young Indians to excel not just in sports, but also in startups, space, science and every other field,” he said.

During the virtual event, PM Modi interacted with several athletes, encouraging them to pursue excellence with discipline and dedication. His exchange with boxer Neeraj Singh stood out as a symbol of the government’s effort to bring leadership closer to young talent and promote sports culture at the grassroots level.

The Sansad Khel Mahotsav aims to identify and nurture sporting talent across the country, and moments like these have added a human touch to the larger message of empowerment through sports.