Google is celebrating India’s first professional woman wrestler Hamida Banu today with a special Doodle. Created by Bangalore-based artist Divya Negi, the Doodle captures Ms. Banu amid the vibrant local flora and fauna, symbolizing her groundbreaking entry into a sport predominantly occupied by men during the 1940s and 50s. According to the description accompanying the Doodle, “Hamida Banu is celebrated as the first professional woman wrestler in India.”
Significance of May 4 in Hamida Banu’s Life
Hamida Banu was born in the early 1900s near Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, into a family with a strong wrestling background. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she won over 300 competitions. The date May 4 was specifically chosen to honor Ms. Banu as it marks the anniversary of her historic match in 1954, where she defeated the renowned wrestler Baba Pahalwan. This victory, achieved in just one minute and thirty-four seconds, led to Pahalwan’s retirement from professional wrestling, securing Ms. Banu’s place in the international spotlight.
About Hamida Banu
Entering the wrestling ring at a time when women’s participation in such sports was heavily discouraged by societal norms, Hamida Banu was not just a participant but a fierce competitor who often challenged male wrestlers. She even boldly wagered her hand in marriage against any man who could defeat her, a challenge that remained unmet. Hamida Banu’s career also had an international dimension; she famously defeated Russian wrestler Vera Chistilin in under two minutes. Known as the “Amazon of Aligarh,” her victories, dietary habits, and training regimen frequently made newspaper headlines.
“Hamida Banu was a trailblazer of her time, whose fearlessness is remembered throughout India and across the world. Beyond her sporting achievements, she is celebrated for remaining true to herself,” Google notes. Today’s Google Doodle can be seen more than just a tribute to her sporting achievements but also a recognition of her role as a trailblazer in Indian sports and women’s history.
Need to educate children about Indian wrestlers
As we honor Hamida Banu’s indelible mark on Indian sports, it’s crucial to keep alive the tales of other legends who have carved their own paths in the wrestling arena. “The Great Gama” a children’s book by Tulika Singh—founder director of Ashwatha Tree Books—explores the extraordinary life of Gama Pehelwan, an undefeated wrestling legend renowned for his remarkable strength and spirit.
From lifting stones as heavy as two elephants to consuming a diet fit for several men, Gama’s feats are legendary, capturing the imagination of all who hear his story. This book not only chronicles his unparalleled victories over the world’s wrestling champions but also highlights his humble spirit and the sheer resilience that made him a hero beyond the ring. Such inspiring stories, especially told to children through books, can help instill enthusiasm for sports among Indian children very naturally. ‘The Great Gama’, one of the bestsellers of Ashwatha Tree Books is available at https://ashwathatreebooks.com/books/the-great-gamma/
