Munish Sood
MANDI/SHIMLA: The historic Ridge ground in Shimla came alive on Sunday evening as Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated the International Boxing Championship, an event that punched far beyond the boundaries of the ring.
Organised by the Himachal Pradesh Professional Boxing Association, the championship is not just about jabs and uppercuts, but carries the weight of a larger cause: combating drug addiction among youth through the campaign “Say No to Drugs – Say Yes to Sports”. But it also bears a deeply emotional undertone — honouring the legacy of former six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh.
Tribute beyond politics
While the bouts featured boxers from India and abroad, the evening’s central theme was remembrance. Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Shukla called Virbhadra Singh “a statesman of rare stature”, and “a towering personality whose legacy continues to inspire generations”.
“He was not just a visionary, but an institution in himself. His contribution to Himachal’s all-round development is unparalleled,” Shukla said, adding that Singh’s dignity, foresight and relentless public service remain etched in the soul of the hill state.
The organisers too emphasised that the event is more than sport — it is a symbolic bow to a leader who believed in empowering youth and investing in human capital through education and opportunity.
Fighting drugs with discipline
Amid cheers from the crowd and the rhythmic thud of gloves on canvas, the championship’s deeper message remained in focus: steering young minds away from the rising scourge of drug abuse.
“Let this be a wake-up call,” said Governor Shukla. “Will Himachal remain a Devbhoomi, or will it slide into becoming a nasha bhoomi? The choice is ours. Sports offer a powerful escape—a purpose, a path, and a discipline.”
He urged the youth to embrace games not only for physical health but also for mental strength. “A fit body breeds a focused mind. And a focused mind doesn’t stray,” he said.
Shukla lauded the efforts of Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Virbhadra Singh’s son, for carrying forward his father’s vision and supporting such initiatives. “It’s heartening to see the next generation encouraging sports to inspire societal change,” he said.
Boxing brings the world to Shimla
The championship has attracted participants from several countries, including Russia, adding an international flavor to Shimla’s summer air. Earlier in the day, Governor Shukla watched an intense bout between Indian and Russian boxers, applauding the athletes’ skill and sportsmanship.
Gathering of influential voices
The event was graced by a host of eminent personalities, including Justice Trilok Chauhan (recommended as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court) and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Minister Vikramaditya Singh, MLAs Nand Lal and Harish Janartha, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and Governor’s Secretary Chandra Prakash Verma.
