On this day in 1954, Hamida Banu made history by defeating the renowned wrestler Baba Pahalwan in a swift one minute and 34 seconds. While this victory prompted Baba Pahalwan to retire from professional wrestling, Banu’s career soared to international heights, with her triumphs reverberating globally.
In homage to Banu’s groundbreaking achievement as “India’s first woman wrestler,” Google adorned its homepage with a vibrant doodle on Saturday.
Hailing from a lineage of wrestlers in the early 1900s near Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Banu defied societal norms by excelling in a sport where female participation was discouraged.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she clinched victory in over 300 competitions, often challenging male opponents and even offering her hand in marriage to anyone who could defeat her.
Banu’s prowess extended beyond local arenas, garnering acclaim on the international stage. Notably, she triumphed over Russian wrestler Vera Chistilin in a match lasting under two minutes. Her remarkable achievements earned her the moniker “Amazon of Aligarh,” with her victories, dietary habits, and training regimen making headlines.
Weighing 108kg and standing at 5ft 3in, Banu’s daily diet was an impressive array of sustenance, as reported by BBC and Reuters. Despite her formidable physique, she maintained a rigorous training schedule, sleeping for nine hours and dedicating six hours to training each day.
Regarded as a trailblazer of her era, Banu not only conquered opponents in the ring but also challenged societal norms.
Google’s tribute underlines her enduring legacy of fearlessness, celebrating her as a symbol of authenticity and courage revered both in India and around the globe.
