Shimla, The historic Ridge in Shimla witnessed the grand finale of the International Pro Boxing Championship on Tuesday evening, where Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the transformative role of sports in shaping the character, discipline and confidence of young people.
Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony, the Chief Minister said the championship had been organised in memory of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, whose contribution to the state’s development continues to be remembered across political and social spheres.
Describing Virbhadra Singh as one of the most influential leaders in the history of Himachal Pradesh and a prominent figure in the Congress party, Sukhu said the event was a fitting tribute to his legacy. He noted that such sporting initiatives not only honour great leaders but also inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence in sports and other fields.
The Chief Minister highlighted that sports play a crucial role in building discipline, self-belief and a healthy competitive spirit among youth. He said participation in sporting activities helps individuals develop leadership qualities, mental resilience and a sense of teamwork, all of which are essential for personal and professional success.
Referring to the international nature of the championship, Sukhu said events of this scale provide local athletes with valuable exposure to global standards of competition. He added that interacting with and observing international players helps emerging sportspersons enhance their skills, broaden their horizons and gain confidence on larger platforms.
The championship brought together professional boxers from five countries — India, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Thailand — turning Shimla into a vibrant centre of international sporting action. The participation of athletes from diverse nations added a global dimension to the event and provided spectators with an opportunity to witness high-quality boxing contests.
The concluding ceremony was attended by several prominent political and public figures, including Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, former Member of Parliament Pratibha Singh, legislators Harish Janartha and Hardeep Bawa, HIMUDA Vice-Chairman Yashwant Chhajta, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, among others.
The successful hosting of the championship is being viewed as another step towards promoting sports culture in Himachal Pradesh and positioning the state as a destination for national and international sporting events. Organisers and participants alike expressed hope that such competitions would continue to encourage young athletes and strengthen the state’s sporting ecosystem in the years ahead.
