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Celebrating the legacy of Hamida Banu, India’s pioneering female wrestler, Google recently featured her in a special Google Doodle. Banu’s remarkable journey as the first woman wrestler in India has left an enduring mark on the country’s sporting history.
Hamida Banu is widely recognized as the trailblazer of female wrestling in India. Her formidable presence in the wrestling arena often left her male counterparts intimidated. Despite the prevailing notion that wrestling was exclusively for men, Banu fearlessly pursued her passion and emerged as a formidable force in the sport.
During the 1940s and 1950s, when wrestling was predominantly considered a male-dominated domain, Banu shattered stereotypes and defied societal expectations by excelling in the sport. She fearlessly issued challenges to male wrestlers, asserting her prowess with statements like, “Beat me in a bout and I’ll marry you.”
Hailing from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Hamida Banu earned the moniker of the “Amazon of Aligarh” for her unparalleled achievements in wrestling. Her remarkable strength and skill garnered her widespread admiration and a devoted fan following.
Banu’s wrestling career was marked by numerous victories against prominent male wrestlers of her time. From defeating the wrestling champion of Patiala to overpowering renowned wrestlers like Chhote Gama Pahalwan, Banu showcased her exceptional talent and resilience on the wrestling mat.
Reports from Banu’s era shed light on her extraordinary diet and physical stature. Weighing approximately 108 kg and standing at 1.6 meters tall, Banu’s diet included copious amounts of milk, fruit juice, biryani, mutton, almonds, and butter, reflecting her dedication to maintaining peak physical fitness.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Banu faced financial hardships in her later years and resorted to selling milk and homemade cookies to sustain herself. However, her legacy as India’s first female wrestler continues to inspire generations, reaffirming her status as a pioneer in the world of Indian wrestling.
