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Gama Pehlwan: India’s Legendary Wrestler Who Was Never Defeated

Gama Pehlwan: India’s Legendary Wrestler Who Was Never Defeated
Written by Medhaavi Mishra

Gama Pehlwan, commonly known as Great Gama, was a well-known Indian wrestler and strongman who lived in the 19th century. Gama Pehlwan became one of India’s most famous athletes and a source of pride for the country at this time. He rose to fame as a result of his impressive strength feats and perfect wrestling record. He was also well renowned for his discipline and his rigorous training regimen, both of which he thought were vital to his success as a wrestler. One of the all-time great wrestlers, he is still remembered today. 

So, go through this article to learn more about Gama Pehlwan’s biography as well as other facts. 

Bio Of Gama Pehlwan 

Real NameGhulam Muhammad Baksh 
Ring NameThe Great Gama
Nick NameRustam-e-Hind
ProfessionWrestler
Date of Birth22 May, 1878
Place of BirthJabbowal, Amritsar
Date of Death23 May, 1960
Height1.71 meters
Weight113 Kg

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Early Life Of Gama Pehlwan

Gama Pehlwan was born in the Indian city of Amritsar in 1878. His father was a wrestler as well. Gama’s father, Muhammad Aziz Bakhsh, passed away when he was six years old. Nun Pehlwan, his maternal grandfather, followed him. After his passing, his maternal uncle Ida Pahlwan followed him, and under his direction, Gama began Pahalwani’s education. He quickly established a reputation as one of the most powerful wrestlers in the village and rose to the top of the list of the most sought-after competitors. 

His Wrestling Career

At the young age of just ten, Gama began his career in wrestling. When the legendary wrestlers of India were being called in Jodhpur in 1888, the name of Gama wrestler was among them. One of the most exhausting exercises was the competition. A 10-year-old Gama wrestler placed in the top 15 out of over 450 wrestlers. He was declared the competition’s winner as a result by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Later, the Maharaja of Datia began his upbringing.

Gama Pehlwan was renowned for his creative style of wrestling. He merged elements of Indian kushti with various martial arts to create his own unique style. Gama Pehlwan gained notoriety for his quick takedowns and explosive moves that frequently caught his rivals off guard and left them defeated.

Everyday Workout Routine Of The Gama

Gama was renowned for his rigorous training, which helped him become the greatest wrestler ever. At 4 a.m. he started his day. He was renowned for doing 1000 pushups and 5000 squats per day. No wrestler was able to stand in front of him. He left every wrestler stunned. Gama Pehalwan in place of his father became the wrestler in the court of the Maharaja of Datia. He used to practice for over 12 hours during this. He used to do about 2,000 and 3,000 punishment meetings and 3000 push ups each day. 

He Lifted A Stone Weighing 1200 kg

About Gama Pehlwan, there are numerous well-known stories. The most well-known tale about him, though, is how he lifted and carried a stone that weighed 1200 kg over a distance. He finished it because he wanted to demonstrate his strength to Gujarat’s Maharaja of Baroda, a keen sports enthusiast. The stone, which is currently on display at the Baroda Museum, can only be moved using hydraulic machinery.

Significant Achievement

Gama Pehlwan had a vast record of significant achievements and was well-known for performing incredible feats in wrestling. He might have won more than 2000 fights, and was  World’s Heaviest Champion for an incredible 28 years. Throughout his wrestling career, he also defeated more than 500 wrestlers. He was the first Indian wrestler to win the World Wrestling Championship in 1910.    

His Personal Life

Gama Pahalwan had two marriages. One of whom is Wazir Begum. It is unknown what the other wife’s name is. With five sons and four daughters, Gama Pahalwan had a total of nine children. His granddaughter Kalsoon Nawaz is married to Nawaz Sharif. At the age of 82, he passed away in 1960.

About the author

Medhaavi Mishra