Google honors India’s first woman wrestler, Hamida Banu, with a tribute on its homepage.
On Saturday, Google marked the occasion of Hamida Banu’s victory and her status as “India’s first woman wrestler” by featuring a colorful doodle on its homepage, commemorating her pioneering achievements in the world of wrestling.
New Delhi, May 7, 2024 – On this day in 1954, history was made when Hamida Banu, India’s first woman wrestler, triumphed over the famed wrestler Baba Pahalwan in a remarkable bout lasting just one minute and 34 seconds. This victory marked a turning point not only in Banu’s career but also in the realm of women’s wrestling in India. While Baba Pahalwan chose to retire from professional wrestling following his defeat, Banu’s journey was just beginning, eventually taking her to international arenas where her prowess and victories were celebrated worldwide.
In recognition of Banu’s groundbreaking achievement and her legacy as a pioneer in Indian women’s wrestling, Google honored her with a vibrant doodle displayed prominently on its homepage this Saturday. The doodle served as a poignant tribute to Banu’s indomitable spirit and her significant contributions to the sport.
Born into a family of wrestlers in the early 1900s near Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Banu’s passion for wrestling was ignited at a young age. Despite societal norms discouraging women’s participation in athletics during that era, Banu fearlessly pursued her passion, eventually emerging as a formidable force in the wrestling arena. Throughout her illustrious career spanning the 1940s and 1950s, Banu secured victory in over 300 competitions, showcasing her exceptional talent and unwavering determination.
Banu’s audacity extended beyond the wrestling mat, as she boldly challenged gender norms by competing against male wrestlers. In a daring move that garnered widespread attention, Banu issued an open challenge to all male wrestlers, offering her hand in marriage to anyone who could defeat her in combat. This bold declaration not only showcased Banu’s confidence in her abilities but also challenged prevailing notions of gender roles and capabilities.
Her remarkable success on the international stage further solidified Banu’s reputation as a trailblazer in women’s wrestling. One of her most memorable victories came in a match against the Russian wrestler Vera Chistilin, whom she decisively defeated in under two minutes, earning accolades and admiration from spectators around the world.
Nicknamed the “Amazon of Aligarh,” Banu’s achievements reverberated far beyond the wrestling arena, capturing the imagination of the public and earning her a place in the annals of sporting history. Her remarkable feats were chronicled in newspapers and media outlets, with her matches, diet, and training regimen becoming subjects of widespread fascination.
According to reports, Banu maintained a rigorous diet and training routine to sustain her peak physical condition. Weighing in at 108 kilograms and standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she consumed a staggering daily intake of nutrition, including 5.6 liters of milk, 2.8 liters of soup, 1.8 liters of fruit juice, a fowl, nearly 1 kilogram of mutton and almonds, half a kilogram of butter, 6 eggs, two large loaves of bread, and two plates of biryani. This formidable diet fueled her rigorous training sessions, which lasted six hours a day, balanced by nine hours of restful sleep, as reported by Reuters.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Banu’s legacy endures as a testament to her courage and resilience in the face of societal barriers. Google’s commemoration of her achievements serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring impact on Indian sports and her role as a pioneer in breaking down barriers for future generations of female athletes.
In a statement accompanying the doodle, Google celebrated Banu’s fearless spirit and her unwavering commitment to authenticity. Outside of her sporting accomplishments, she will always be celebrated for staying true to herself,” the note read, paying homage to Banu’s enduring legacy as a symbol of empowerment and resilience.
As India commemorates the historic achievements of Hamida Banu, her legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes and champions of gender equality alike. Through her unparalleled determination and unwavering courage, Banu shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports and society at large.