Gama Pehlwan: Famous Indian wrestler
Game pahelwan biography
Wrestling has always been the top sport that combines the form of martial and combat sports. The origin was way back 15,000 years ago. On the other hand, talking about the time of ancient Greece wrestling was occupied as one of the prominent places in legend/literature/philosophy.
To this, many wrestlers made their way into this sport but only a few were reminded. Among all of those, Game Pahelwan was one of the legends who was known as the real tiger. But there is lot more to be determined about his life/success and championships.
So let us help you to drive through his life, journey and more.
Who was Game Pahelwan?
Game pahelwan full name is Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt. But he was commonly determined by his other names (Rustom-E-Hind), this was common among all.
But do you know what he was called in the ring? The public determined him with “The Great Gama”.
At the time of British rule, he was known as one of the strongest men or we could say Pahalwani wrestler.
With so many disputes running in the field of wrestling at that stage- he was one of those to come up to be champion (20th century). This was made over without causing any disputes running around him.
- Birthday –22 May 1878
- Birthplace- Jabbowal, Amritsar, British Raj.
- Died on- 23 May 1960.
- Death place- Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Death– 82
- Religion- Islam
- Zodiac sign- Gemini
- Height- 1.73m or 5’8.
- Body weight- 110kgs.
- Measurement- 46 chest, 34 waist and 22 biceps.
Gama Pehlwan also known as the Great Gama was a famous Indian wrestler who lived in the 19th century. He was born in Amritsar in 1878 and began his wrestling career at the age of 10. Gama quickly rose to fame and by the age of 20 he had become one of the most celebrated wrestlers in India. He went on to win more than 5000 matches losing only once in his entire career.
In 1898, Gama won the Indian Championship by defeating all comers. This made him a celebrity. After that he toured Europe and America where he challenged and defeated some of the strongest wrestlers in the world.
In 1902, Gama returned to India and retired from wrestling. However, he continued to give public exhibitions of his strength. In one such exhibition, he lifted a 1200 kg stone!
Gama Pehlwan was a true legend in his time. His strength and wrestling ability was admired by everyone from Bruce Lee to the Prince of Wales. Google even celebrates his birthday each year.
Although he passed away in 1960, Gama Pehlwan will always be remembered as one of the greatest Indian wrestlers of all time.
Do you know?
At the time of his 144 anniversaries, Google even crafted a doodle to give honour to this legendary player in the field of wrestling.
In India, he was one of the most renowned players among all due to his achievements, and skills.
- International achievements
Before his passing (in 1960) he even received the respect of the general public.
- Received height weight championship
Born in the province of Punjab (British Raj 1878), he even made complete efforts to receive an achievement. This was the one of world heavyweight Championships on October 15, 1910.
In his entire career of 52 years of wrestling, he was one of the players who went undefeated during the course. Later on, Game Pahelwan even moved to Pakistan (at the time when British India was divided). This was majorly the case when the division was made into the Dominion of India and the Dominion of (Pakistan in August 1947).
Therein, he spent the rest of his life in his respective country (before he died).
The story of India’s undefeated wrestling champion ‘The Great Gama’:
Gama Pehlwan, otherwise known as ‘The Great Gama,’ was a legendary Indian wrestler who remained undefeated for over 50 years. Born in Punjab in 1878, Gama began his wrestling career at a young age and soon earned a reputation as one of the most skilled wrestlers in the world.
He won his first major tournament “The All India Championship”, in 1902, and went on to win hundreds of matches throughout his career. Gama’s stature grew even further when he defeated the American wrestler George Hackenschmidt who was widely considered to be the best wrestler in the world at that time. Gama’s records remain unbroken to this day and he is still revered as one of the greatest wrestlers in history.
Gama engagement in over 5,000 contest
Yes, you read it right, he was the man who took part in more than 5,000 contests. His skills were so mesmerizing that people could not take their eyes off him. He went to many competitions and even won many medals and prizes.
But what made it so best? The game made his direction towards the path of Bruce Lee. Yet when Lee get to know about his practices and skills he also followed the path and even included his skills into his practice.
WHO lifted 1200 kg stone?
The World Health Organization has lifted a 1200 kg stone in an effort to improve global health. The stone which is called the “Obesity Atlas,” was lifted by a team of WHO staff and volunteers.
The Obesity Atlas is just one of many WHO initiatives aimed at improving global health. Others include the Global Action Plan on Non-Communicable Diseases which was launched in 2013 and the World Health Assembly Resolution on Combating Childhood Obesity which was passed in 2015.
In 1910, Gama set a world record by lifting a 1200 kg stone. Throughout his life he continued to perform feats of strength and was even invited to perform for the British royal family. Gama Pehlwan was truly a remarkable athlete and his legacy continues to inspire today’s generation of wrestlers.
Exercises that he followed
Lee was extremely talented and included in his training exercises like:
- Cat stretch
- Squat
- A stone weighing 1200kg and 100kg of disc.
Later it was found that Game Pahelwan hosted this stone and it was on December 23, 1902. This was the time when he visited Baroda for wrestling.
He even motivated several wrestlers who came to attend the event and spend hours giving speeches. In different subcontinent parts of India, he was known as the undefeated person who took many hearts.
About Game Pahelwan family
He was majorly born into the Muslim family from Kashmir. His brother was Imam Baksh Pahalwan.
Father’s name– Muhammad Aziz Baksh.
He was bought up by his grandfather with all beautiful memories and lessons.
Game Pahelwan first recognition
It was in the year 1888 and at the age of 10 when Game Pahelwan was noticed among 15 other contenders in Jodhpur. Then and their Game could impress the Maharaj of Jodhpur as he was likely impressed by his performance.
With this, Game Pahelwan was already the winner as he was noticed and came into existence (in the field of wrestling).
Diet and exercises
- He has tough diet and it included Six desi chickens, two gallons (7.5 litres) of milk
- almond paste that is majorly mixed with beverages.
His achievement blown everybody
Game Pahelwan at the age of 17 gave challenge to Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala (was the middle-aged Indian wrestler). They both fought against each other, however, Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala, career was about to end. It was the chance for him to be back into the field of wrestling, so he has to be on the top with his skills.
After many hours of wrestling, Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala, won. This was the case where Gama due to his short stature lost – but he fought great.
- Later on he went for London tournament
- Fought in the world championship
- England tour
- Encountering again with Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala
- World domination
Also Read: Success Story of Elon musk
Game Pahelwan was the real tiger
It was until 1927, Gama did not find any opponents- that was not surprising but no one can compete with him. But soon after some time, Gama found the one named Zbyszko. In Patiala, Gama did not take even minutes to defeat Zbyszko. Therein he was declared the Indian version of the world wrestling championship.
This followed up to named Gama as the real tiger.
In 1947 Gama was relocated to Pakistan following the partition of India. Despite all the chaos, he did not stop his passion for wrestling. But the later time for Gama was quite challenging as was the parent of 4 daughters and 5 boys (who all passed away at a very young age).
He was quite shattered by the death of his youngest son Jalaluddin (1945) at the age of 13.
After the partition happened his suffering was quite challenging. He even tried his hands on several businesses but nothing worked out.
By determining his condition, the government later on also allotted him some pieces of land and even a monthly stipend – to take care of his health.
But on May 23, 1960, he passed away in Lahore, Pakistan. He was determined to be the real tiger and this made people remind him of his achievements. No doubt he was the real tiger we could remind of in the field of wrestling.
Admired by Bruce Lee and Prince of Wales:
Jeet Kune Do is often described as “the style of no style,” as it emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness over formality. Bruce Lee was a highly regarded figure in the martial arts community and his students included the Prince of Wales. Jeet Kune Do remains popular today with schools teaching the art all over the world.
Gama was famous for his severe food and exercise regimens which were credited with making him a formidable opponent. He was said to do five thousand squats and three thousand pushups every day.
Bruce Lee an expert martial artist and movie star took ideas for some of his moves from Gama after seeing his workouts. During his visit to India, the Prince of Wales acknowledged Gama’s strength.
Google celebrates Gama Pehlwan, India’s greatest wrestler 144th Birthday
Today Google is celebrating the 144th birthday of Gama Pehlwan, India’s greatest wrestler. Born in 1878 in Amritsar, Gama was the son of a wrestler and began training at a young age. He quickly developed into a formidable competitor and by the time he was in his early twenties he had already won several major championships.
In 1904, he embarked on a series of international matches, winning nearly every bout. At the time of retirement from competitions in 1928 Gama had cemented his place as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Today, his legacy lives on in the form of the Gama Foundation, which supports aspiring Indian wrestlers. Thanks to Gama’s influence, India remains one of the world’s top wrestling nations.
The Enduring Legacy of Gama Pehlwan: India’s Greatest Wrestling Icon
Gama Pehlwan’s incredible strength and wrestling prowess left a lasting impact on the world of sports. Even after his retirement from active competition he continued to showcase his remarkable abilities through public exhibitions of strength.
Gama was a well known wrestler not just in India but also in other countries of the world. The Great Gama’s dedication to physical conditioning and strength training influenced Bruce Lee’s approach to martial arts.
As the story of Gama Pehlwan lives on it serves as a testament to the power of determination, discipline, and hard work in achieving greatness. His achievements inspire athletes and enthusiasts worldwide reminding us that with unwavering dedication even seemingly insurmountable feats can be accomplished.
Gama is one of India’s most admired sports icons due to his heroic journey from a young Amritsar boy to an unbeaten wrestling champion.
