On May 4, 2024, Google Doodle paid tribute to Hamida Banu, who is widely recognized as India’s first professional female wrestler. This story is of a girl who is from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Her story shows that women can also succeed in male-dominated sports and that they have the courage, resilience, and ability to overcome obstacles.
A Trailblazer in Indian Women’s Wrestling
Hamida Banu was born in the early 90s and proved to be an inspiration for the coming generations. In the 1940s and 1950s, wrestling was considered a man’s sport in India, but Banu fearlessly stepped into the ring and challenged her male colleagues.
She became famous for issuing open challenges to her male opponents: “Defeat me in combat, and I will marry you.” His fearsome and tenacious personality intimidated his opponents, and he was awarded the nickname “Amazon of Aligarh“.
Banu played many matches across India and presented a unique performance. They consistently defeated their male rivals. He defeated the wrestling champion of Patiala and also defeated Chhote Gama Pehalwan, a wrestler close to the Maharaja of Baroda.
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Banu’s personality and diet made headlines. She weighed approximately 108 kg and stood at 1.6 meters tall. Her daily diet included 5-6 liters of milk, fruit juice, biryani, mutton, almonds, and butter.
Maheshwar Dayal, a famous Indian writer, considered Banu’s wrestling to be similar to that of male wrestlers. Some people felt that there were some secret agreements between her and her male opponents, which caused harm to her rivals.
Banu faced poverty in her last days. To earn his living, he worked by selling milk and homemade cookies on the roadside. Hamida Bano’s legacy as a pioneer of women’s wrestling in India continues to this day. His great achievements will inspire the players even more.
What were some of her most memorable victories?
Hamida Bano, India’s Trailblazer female wrestler, achieved many memorable victories during her remarkable career. Here are some of the most memorable.
- Defeating the Wrestling Champion of Patiala: One of Banu’s early victories came when she faced off against the reigning wrestling champion of Patiala. Despite being an underdog, she displayed exceptional technique and strength, ultimately defeating her opponent.
- Triumph Over Chhote Gama Pahalwan: Chhote Gama Pahalwan, a renowned wrestler closely associated with the Maharajah of Baroda, was considered unbeatable. However, Banu fearlessly challenged him to a bout. In an intense match, she emerged victorious, shocking the wrestling community.
- Consistent Dominance in Local Tournaments: Banu participated in numerous local wrestling tournaments across India. Her consistent dominance over male opponents made her a household name. People marveled at her determination and skill, as she continued to prove that gender was no barrier to success in the sport.
- Inspiring Other Female Wrestlers: Beyond individual victories, Banu’s mere presence in the wrestling arena inspired other women to take up the sport. She became a symbol of empowerment, encouraging young girls to pursue their passion for wrestling.
These victories not only showcased Banu’s talent but also challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of female wrestlers. Her legacy remains an inspiration for all those who strive to break barriers and achieve greatness.
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