Few names inspire the veneration and awe reserved for Gama Pehlwan's extraordinary prowess in the vast, storied sport of wrestling. His legacy, braided with victories in over 5,000 fights during a five-decade career, stands as an indelible tribute to his unequaled power. Gama's grandeur, however, is not simply legend; it is inscribed in stone.
A gigantic stone at the Baroda Museum in Sayajibaug bears evidence to Gama's unfathomable might. On December 23, 1902, Gama, aged 22, effortlessly lifted a 1,200kg stone to his chest and walked a substantial distance, cementing his standing as an unrivaled force in the wrestling arena.
Gama's journey began in Jabbowal village in Punjab, where his ancestors were wrestlers, laying the groundwork for his incredible career. His natural power and passion to wrestling were evident from an early age, distinguishing him as a prodigy. He competed in a strongman tournament in Jodhpur at the age of ten, becoming the highlight despite his youth. This moment marked the start of a legendary journey.
His path was not solitary. Maharaja sponsorship and encouragement impacted Gama's training, fostering his exceptional skill and endurance. His diet, as related by his grandson Nasir Bholu, exhibited extraordinary discipline—15 liters of milk, 3 kilograms of butter, 9 kilograms of almonds, and more were all part of his strict regimen.
Gama's fights against renowned wrestlers became legendary as his fame grew. Gama's legendary battle with Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala, the Rustam-e-Hind, demonstrated his incredible perseverance and resilience. Despite a difficult opponent, Gama held his ground, cementing his reputation as an unrivaled force in wrestling.
Gama's journey extended beyond Indian soil. His ambition for international prominence took him to London, where he faced problems both inside and outside the ring. His clashes with wrestlers like Stanislaus Zbyszko and Jesse Peterson demonstrated his unrivaled power. Gama's power was so great that even legendary champions like Zbyszko referred to him as a tiger, a testament to his unrivaled talents.
His global impact was significant, as evidenced by his challenges to world wrestling champions, all of whom were hesitant to face the intimidating Gama in the ring. His return to India was marked by emphatic triumphs against familiar foes, establishing his standing as the unrivaled champion of his era.
Gama's influence, however, reaches far beyond the wrestling ring. As a great hero, he shown unrivaled bravery during India's partition, protecting his Hindu neighbors from the dangers of communal riots. His deeds of bravery and protection tell eloquently about his character, transcending sports.
Gama's life was a story of tenacity and hardship in his closing days. Despite restrictions in government backing, familial trials, and personal struggles, he remained a rock of strength until his death on May 23, 1960, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time.
Gama Pehlwan's tenacious spirit and amazing life were celebrated with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 144th birthday, a fitting homage to a man whose name persists as an emblem of unyielding drive and unrivaled force in the world of wrestling.
