Shimla, June 21 -- Professional boxers from India, Russia, and Uzbekistan assembled at the historic Ridge in Shimla on Saturday for a face-off ahead of an international professional boxing championship, which will be held on Sunday in memory of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. The event is also part of a campaign to raise awareness against drug abuse among youth.

The boxing tournament, organised by the Virbhadra Singh Foundation in association with the Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association, is being held a day before the 91st birth anniversary of the late Congress stalwart and six-time Chief Minister. The initiative aims not only to pay tribute to his legacy but also to promote a healthy lifestyle and steer the young...