Gama Pehlwan: The Legendary Indian Wrestler

Introduction

Wrestling is an ancient sport that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. One of the most famous wrestlers in the India's history is Gama Pehlwan, who was known for his immense strength and unbeatable record in the wrestling arena. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Gama Pehlwan, and his impact on the sport of wrestling in India.

Early Life and Training

Gama Pehlwan was born Ghulam Muhammad Baksh in Amritsar, Punjab in 1878. His father, Aziz Baksh, was also a wrestler and trained Gama in the art of wrestling from a young age. Gama's training involved a strict diet of milk, almonds, and ghee, as well as daily exercise routines that focused on building strength and endurance.

Professional Wrestling Career

Gama Pehlwan began his professional wrestling career at the age of 18, and quickly gained a reputation for his strength and skill in the ring. He was undefeated in his first few years of wrestling, which led to him being called the "Lion of the Punjab". Gama's wrestling style was unique, as he relied on his speed and agility rather than brute force to defeat his opponents.

Gama's wrestling career took off in the early 1900s, when he began touring India and wrestling against other famous wrestlers of the time. He won numerous titles and championships, including the Indian Wrestling Championship and the World Wrestling Championship. Gama's most famous match was against the Russian wrestler Stanislaus Zbyszko, which he won in just 42 seconds.

Gama's career was not without controversy, however. In 1928, he was stripped of his world championship title after he refused to wrestle against the reigning champion, Ed "Strangler" Lewis. Gama claimed that Lewis was not a legitimate wrestler and that his matches were fixed.

Legacy and Impact

Gama Pehlwan's legacy lives on today, as he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in Indian history. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 1954. The Gama Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, is also named after him.

Gama's impact on the sport of wrestling in India cannot be overstated. He inspired countless young wrestlers to take up the sport and to strive for excellence. Today, wrestling remains a popular sport in India, with many athletes training in the traditional style that Gama Pehlwan helped to popularize.

Conclusion

Gama Pehlwan was a legendary wrestler who inspired generations of athletes in India and beyond. His unique style, impressive strength, and unbeatable record in the ring made him a true icon of the sport. Though he faced controversy and setbacks throughout his career, his impact on wrestling and Indian sports culture continues to be felt today.

FAQs

Was Gama Pehlwan the strongest wrestler in history?

Gama Pehlwan was known for his incredible strength, but it is difficult to say whether he was the strongest wrestler in history.

What was Gama Pehlwan's signature move?

Gama's wrestling style relied on his speed and agility, rather than a specific signature move.

Did Gama Pehlwan ever lose a wrestling match?

Gama was undefeated for the first few years of his wrestling career, but he did suffer some losses later on.

Where can I watch footage of Gama Pehlwan wrestling?

Some old footage of Gama Pehlwan wrestling can be found on YouTube and other video sharing platforms.

What is the Gama Stadium?

The Gama Stadium is a sports stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, named after Gama Pehlwan. It is used for a variety of sports, including cricket and football.

Author : Shyamal