Imagine this—70 years ago on May 4, 1954. The kushti arena bustles with pehlwans, mainly men, showcasing their strength and agility. Then enters Hamida Banu. Strong and confident, she defies norms, ready to face any challenger. Earlier that year, she boldly declared, "Beat me in a bout and I'll marry you".
To commemorate this historic event, Google unveils a delightful doodle by Bengaluru's Divya Negi. On May 4, 2024, Google hails Banu as a "trailblazer of her time, and her fearlessness is remembered throughout India and across the world. Outside of her sporting accomplishments, she will always be celebrated for staying true to herself."
Hamida Banu, India's First Woman Wrestler
In the early 1900s, Banu emerged from a wrestling dynasty near Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, defying societal norms to pursue her love for the sport. Despite discouragement, she became India's pioneering female wrestler, toppling stereotypes and paving the way for change.
With over 300 victories to her name, Banu's defining moment came in Baroda when she faced off against the renowned wrestler, Baba Pahalwan. In a swift 1 minute and 34 seconds, she claimed victory, prompting Baba to withdraw, unwilling to confront a woman.
A Champion Rises
In the 1940s and 1950s, she reigned supreme in the ring, tallying up more than 300 victories. Against the backdrop of societal norms that frowned upon female athletes, Banu fearlessly took on male wrestlers, even daring to offer her hand in marriage to anyone who could best her.
In 1944, headlines blazed when she strode into the maidan to face off against the esteemed Goonga Pahalwan. The Bombay Chronicle reported a crowd of 20,000 gathered to witness this unprecedented match, as a woman of 5'3" and 108kg stepped onto the stadium turf.
Although Goonga backed out at the eleventh hour citing "impossible" conditions, Banu's name still echoed in the annals of history. She later sought training under Mirzapur's Salam Pahalwan, solidifying her reputation as a fearless challenger by the 1950s.
In 1954, she cemented her legacy by swiftly defeating Vera Chistilin, Russia's formidable "female bear," in under a minute in Mumbai. With unwavering determination, she announced her intention to take on European wrestlers, marking another chapter in her storied career.
Struggles As Woman Wrestler
Hamida Banu's wrestling journey was riddled with challenges. Despite her talent, she faced discrimination and skepticism from fellow wrestlers and audiences alike. Some even spread rumors of secret deals to undermine her victories. The hostility extended beyond the ring, as wrestling federations often opposed her participation.
In addition to her professional struggles, Banu faced personal turmoil. Her coach, Salam Pahalwan, reportedly resorted to violence, breaking her hands in an attempt to derail her aspirations. The injuries left her with fractured legs and forced her retreat from the sport she loved.
Banu's later years were marked by hardship. Retreating from the wrestling world, she settled in Kalyan, where she eked out a living selling dairy and snacks. Despite her resilience, she endured a challenging existence until her passing in 1986.
Hamida Banu's story is one of resilience and defiance against societal norms. Though her name may have faded from the wrestling scene, her legacy endures as a symbol of unwavering determination and the fight for women's recognition in sports.
The “Amazon of Aligarh”
Banu's journey captivated newspapers nationwide, detailing her triumphs, her intense training routines, and her unique dietary choices. Given the moniker "Amazon of Aligarh," she swiftly became a household name in India, leaving a lasting impression on the masses. According to a recent BBC feature, one columnist remarked that just a glance at Banu was enough to send chills down anyone's spine.
A Legendary Bout and International Recognition
On May 4, 1954, Banu etched her name in history books with a defining moment in her career. In a widely publicized showdown, she garnered international recognition by defeating the renowned wrestler Baba Pahalwan in a mere 1 minute and 34 seconds, prompting Pahalwan's retirement from the sport. Her triumph transcended borders as she secured another remarkable victory against Russian wrestler Vera Chistilin, overpowering her opponent in under two minutes.
Beyond her wrestling prowess, Hamida Banu emerged as a trailblazer, shattering societal norms with her unwavering determination and courage. Her journey paved the path for future generations of female athletes in India, inspiring women to pursue their aspirations despite societal expectations. Despite the obstacles she encountered, Banu's legacy as a pioneering wrestler remains a beacon of empowerment, igniting the spirits of dreamers across the nation.
Inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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