New Delhi: On this day in 1954, Hamida Banu achieved a remarkable victory by defeating the renowned wrestler Baba Pahalwan in a mere one minute and 34 seconds. This significant event marked a turning point in Banu’s career, leading to international recognition and widespread acclaim, while prompting Baba Pahalwan to retire from professional wrestling.
In tribute to her groundbreaking achievements as “India’s first woman wrestler,” Google unveiled a vibrant doodle on its homepage on Saturday, commemorating Banu’s historic triumph.
Hailing from a family with a deep-rooted wrestling tradition near Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Banu began her wrestling journey in the early 1900s. Despite prevailing societal norms discouraging women’s participation in athletics, Banu fearlessly competed in over 300 competitions throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
Defying conventions, Banu boldly challenged male wrestlers and famously wagered her hand in marriage to anyone who could defeat her, as highlighted in a statement by Google.
Banu’s prowess extended beyond national borders, earning her accolades in international matches, including a notable victory against Russian wrestler Vera Chistilin, achieved in under two minutes.
Dubbed the “Amazon of Aligarh,” Banu garnered extensive media attention, with newspapers chronicling her victories, dietary habits, and rigorous training regimen.
According to a report by the BBC, Banu stood at 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 108 kilograms. Her daily dietary intake, as detailed by the British media outlet, comprised 5.6 litres of milk, 2.8 litres of soup, 1.8 litres of fruit juice, a fowl, nearly 1 kilogram of mutton and almonds, half a kilogram of butter, 6 eggs, two large loaves of bread, and two servings of biryani.
