The Great Gama Pahalwan -Life, Family, Biography, The Undefeated Legend
Table of Contents
Biography and Life of Gama Pahalwan
| Real Name | Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt |
| Ring Name | The Great Gama |
| Nick Name | Rustam-e-Hind |
| Profession | Wrestler |
| First Encounter | Raheem Bakhsh Sultaniwala |
| Religion | Kashmiri Muslim |
| Father’s Name | Aziz Baksh |
| Mother’s Name | |
| Place of Birth | Jabbowal, Amritsar |
| Birth | 22 May, 1878 |
| Death | 23 May, 1960 |
| Height of Gama Pehalwan | 1.71 meters |
| Weight of Gama Pehalwan | 113 kg |
| Siblings | Imam Baksh Pahalwan |
| Granddaughter | Kalsoom Nawaz Sharif |
Who was The Great Gama?
Gama Pahalwan was born into a family of wrestlers, with his father, Aziz Baksh, and grandfather, Imam Baksh, being esteemed wrestlers themselves. This rich wrestling heritage laid the foundation for Gama’s illustrious career. From a young age, he was immersed in rigorous training and traditional wrestling techniques, honing his natural talents and strength.
Early life of The Gama Pahalwan
The Gama Pahwalan was not the real name of the great wrestler. The Great Gama Pahalwan, also known as Ghulam Muhammad, was an iconic wrestler hailing from the Indian subcontinent. Born in 1878 in Amritsar, Punjab (now in India), Gama Pahalwan became a legendary figure in the world of wrestling, renowned for his immense strength, skill, and unbeatable record. Throughout his career, he remained undefeated, earning him the title “The Undefeated Legend.”
He belonged to a family of Kashmiri Muslims into wrestling.
Family, Wife and Children of Gama Pehalwan
Father of Gama Pehalwan was “Muhammad Aziz Baksh” who was also a wrestler. He belonged to a Muslim Kashmiri family and had a brother named “Imam Babksh Pehalwan”.
Gama married twice in his life; Wazir Begum and one more. He had five sons and four daughters in total. His granddaughter Kalsoom is the wife of Nawaz Sharif. Another sister of Kalsoom, Sairu Banu is the wife of Jhara Pehalwan.
Family support and beginning in Wrestling Career
Ghulam Muhammad Baksh Butt’s father i.e. Gama Pehalwan’s father used to fight wrestling in the court of Maharaja Bhawani Singh of Datia.
Gama Pahalwan’s wrestling journey began at a tender age, and he swiftly demonstrated extraordinary prowess in the sport. His physical strength and exceptional grappling abilities quickly gained attention, and he earned his first victory at the age of ten against a seasoned wrestler.
As he grew older, Gama’s reputation as an invincible wrestler spread far and wide. He participated in numerous matches across the Indian subcontinent, defeating opponents from various backgrounds and nationalities. Gama was known for taking on any challenger, regardless of their size or reputation, and emerged victorious each time.
Taken in by Maternal Grandfather
After the untimely demise of Aziz Baksh, young Ghulam Muhammad was taken under the care of his maternal grandfather, Noon Pehalwan. Recognizing the potential in his grandson, Noon Pehalwan decided to impart the art of wrestling to Ghulam Muhammad and his brother.
It was his father Aziz Baksh who saw the dream of making Gama a wrestler but before he could make his son a wrestler, unfortunately he died. 6-year-old Ghulam Muhammad Baksh Butt was taken up by his maternal grandfather Noon Pehalwan to teach him and his brother wrestling. After this, Gama Pehalwan’s maternal uncle Ida Pehelwan taught both of them wrestling tricks.
Learning the Wrestling Art
Under the watchful guidance of his maternal uncle, Ida Pehelwan, both Ghulam Muhammad and his brother began their wrestling training. From a tender age, they were introduced to the rigorous techniques and physical conditioning that wrestling demanded. The young Ghulam Muhammad, now affectionately called Gama, exhibited remarkable talent and an innate strength that set him apart from his peers.
Daily workout Routine of “The Great Gama”
He was known for doing 5000 squats and 1000 pushups in a day. There was no wrestler who could stand in front of him. He stunned all the wrestlers.
In place of his father, Gama Pehalwan also became a wrestler in the court of the Maharaja of Datia. During this he used to practice for more than 12 hours. It is said that he used to do about 2 to 3 thousand punishment meetings and 3000 pushups every day.
First Recognition of ‘The Great Gama’ in Wrestling
Since he was born in a family of wrestlers so it was quite obvious that he would have inclination towards this since starting. He also loved wrestling and started practicing since very early. It was at the age of ten in the year 1988 when he was first noticed. He was participating in a strongman competition being held in Jodhpur where hundreds of wrestlers were particpating.
Gama’s talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon emerged as a rising star in the world of wrestling. His fame spread like wildfire as he defeated opponents with ease, showcasing an extraordinary blend of strength, technique, and determination. The young boy who started his journey under the loving guidance of his family had now become a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world.
‘Rustam-e-Hind’- Prestigious Award
Most of the people know about the fact that Dara Singh won ‘Rustam-e-Hind’ award. But many people do not know that it was ‘The Great Gama’ who had named this prestigious award to his name before Dara Singh.
30 Minutes Challenge by The Great Gama
To compete with Western wrestlers, Gama went to England with his younger brother, Imam Baksh.
However, due to his short stature, he could not get admission immediately. No one initially took him seriously so tackle this he issued a challenge to the top level wrestlers that he could throw any 3 wrestlers of any weight class in 30 minutes, but no one turned as they considered it a hoax.
In addition, Gama specifically challenged Stanislaus Zbieszko and Frank Gotch to either come forward or give away the prize money.
But American wrestler Benjamin Roller was the first to take up Gama’s challenge. Gamma pinned him for the first time in 1 minute 40 seconds and the second time in 9 minutes 10 seconds. The next day, Gama defeated 12 wrestlers to enter the official tournament.
The Legendary Clash: Gama Pahalwan vs. Stanislaus Zbyszko
One of the most iconic moments in the history of wrestling was the legendary clash between Gama Pahalwan (Ghulam Muhammad Baksh Butt) and Stanislaus Zbyszko, a renowned Polish wrestler. This epic encounter took place on a momentous day, etching its place in wrestling folklore forever.
Background: Stanislaus Zbyszko, a formidable opponent known for his strength and skill, had achieved significant fame in the world of wrestling. His reputation as a seasoned wrestler and his accomplishments in the wrestling circuit garnered him immense respect from enthusiasts and competitors alike.
On the other hand, Gama Pahalwan, already an undefeated legend, had earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. His unmatched strength, unparalleled technique, and an incredible winning streak had made him a celebrated figure in the wrestling world.
The Encounter: The long-anticipated clash between Gama and Zbyszko was set to determine the ultimate champion of champions. Wrestling enthusiasts and fans from across the globe eagerly awaited this epic contest.
In a contest that would go down in history, the two wrestling titans faced each other in a grueling match that would test their skills, stamina, and determination. The atmosphere was electric as they stepped onto the mat, each determined to prove their supremacy.
The Battle of Strength and Skill: The Gama vs. Zbyszko match was a display of pure athleticism, as both wrestlers showcased their mastery of the sport. The crowd was enthralled as the battle unfolded, with each wrestler countering the other’s moves with precision and power.
For hours, they grappled, wrestled, and strategized, refusing to give an inch to their opponent. The match was evenly contested, and it became evident that this would be a clash for the ages.
The Unyielding Champion: In the end, it was Gama Pahalwan who emerged victorious, adding another feather to his illustrious cap. His unyielding spirit and determination had triumphed over a worthy adversary, solidifying his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Legacy: The Gama vs. Zbyszko match remains etched in wrestling history as an epic encounter between two legendary athletes. Gama’s victory over Zbyszko further cemented his unbeatable legacy and reinforced his reputation as the “Undefeated Legend.”
Who gave the Title of “Tiger” to The Great Gama
Gama Pahalwan’s unparalleled reign as an undefeated wrestler continued until 1927 when an announcement shook the wrestling world. It was revealed that Gama and Stanislaus Zbyszko would face each other again, setting the stage for an epic rematch of titans. The much-anticipated showdown took place in January 1928 in Patiala, and it would become a historic moment in wrestling history.
Zbyszko’s Praise for Gama: In the aftermath of the match, Stanislaus Zbyszko, humbled by Gama’s exceptional performance, showered him with admiration and respect. He lauded Gama as a “tiger,” acknowledging the fierceness and tenacity that characterized the Indian wrestling legend.
The rematch between Gama Pahalwan and Stanislaus Zbyszko was a defining moment in wrestling, reaffirming Gama’s indomitable spirit and supreme talent. With his triumph in the Indian edition of the World Wrestling Championship, Gama continued to inspire awe and admiration, leaving an enduring legacy as a true wrestling legend and a “tiger” in the world of sports.
Who was the Strongest Opponent to The Great Gama
In the realm of wrestling, Gama Pahalwan (Ghulam Muhammad Baksh Butt) faced numerous formidable opponents, but when asked about his strongest rival, he named Rahim Baksh Sultani Wala. The fierce encounters between Gama and Rahim Baksh added a new dimension to wrestling folklore, leaving an enduring mark on the sport’s history.
Gama vs. Rahim Baksh: The Clash of Titans: The rivalry between Gama and Rahim Baksh was nothing short of legendary. Both wrestlers possessed immense strength, technical finesse, and unyielding determination, making their bouts a sight to behold for wrestling enthusiasts.
Intense Battles and Mutual Respect: The contests between Gama and Rahim Baksh were characterized by intense physicality and fierce competition. The two wrestling giants engaged in epic struggles that captivated audiences and showcased the pinnacle of wrestling skills.
Despite the heated rivalry, Gama and Rahim Baksh held immense respect for each other’s abilities. Their encounters were a display of true sportsmanship, where admiration for each other’s talent transcended the competitive arena.
Victory Over Pandit Biddu: Apart from his rivalry with Rahim Baksh, Gama also defeated another of India’s finest wrestlers, Pandit Biddu, in a match held in 1916. This victory further solidified Gama’s reputation as an unbeatable force in the wrestling world.
Retirement of The Gream Gama
After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Gama Pahalwan decided to move to Pakistan, his ancestral homeland. He settled in Karachi and continued to be revered as a national treasure in the newly formed country
Despite his move to Pakistan, Gama Pahalwan’s wrestling career did not see any worthy adversaries. Until his retirement in 1952, no wrestler could match his unparalleled strength, technique, and skill. Gama remained undefeated throughout his illustrious career, firmly securing his status as the “Undefeated Legend.”
Coaching Bholu Pehalwan: After hanging up his wrestling boots, Gama transitioned into the role of a coach. He devoted his expertise to his nephew, Bholu Pehalwan, nurturing his talent and imparting the wisdom acquired from a lifetime of wrestling. Under Gama’s tutelage, Bholu Pehalwan flourished as a wrestler, and the two formed a close bond that extended beyond the wrestling arena.
Organizing Pakistani Wrestling Championships: Gama’s legacy and influence in Pakistani wrestling continued long after his retirement. Bholu Pehalwan, inspired by his uncle’s teachings, organized the Pakistani Wrestling Championships, a prestigious event that showcased the country’s wrestling talent.
For almost two decades, the Pakistani Wrestling Championships served as a platform for aspiring wrestlers to showcase their skills and honor the traditions of the sport. The event became a testament to Gama’s enduring impact on wrestling in Pakistan.
The Great Gama’s last days of Life
In the twilight years of his life, The Great Gama faced significant financial hardships and a chronic illness that added to his struggles. His financial situation became dire, and he found it challenging to afford the necessary medical treatment.
Recognizing Gama Pahalwan’s legendary contributions to wrestling and his current plight, industrialist GD Birla stepped forward as a compassionate benefactor. Being an ardent wrestling fan, GD Birla generously extended his support by providing Gama with a monthly pension of ₹2,000, along with an additional ₹300, aiming to alleviate some of his financial burdens.
Moreover, the Government of Pakistan, acknowledging Gama’s iconic status and the need for medical assistance, also came forward to offer support. They took the responsibility of covering his medical expenses, ensuring he received the necessary treatment and care for his chronic illness.
Despite the challenges he faced in his final days, Gama Pahalwan’s unwavering spirit and contributions to the sport of wrestling continued to be celebrated. His legacy as an undefeated legend and national hero remained intact, with GD Birla’s benevolence and the government’s support serving as a testament to the impact he had made on the wrestling world.
On May 23, 1960, The Great Gama breathed his last, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of wrestlers and fans. His contributions to wrestling, coupled with the kindness and support he received in his difficult times, serve as a reminder of the profound impact sports legends can have on society and the importance of compassionate care for those who dedicated their lives to their craft.
FAQ
Q1: Who lifted 1200 kg stone?
Ans: The Gama Pehalwan lifted a 1,200-kg stone in 1902.
Q2: Where is the 1200 kg stone kept now?
Ans: The stone is now kept at the Baroda Museum.
Q3: Who is the World’s best Pehalwan?
Ans: Gama Pehlwan was widely considered one of best wrestlers of all time. Even Google too honoured him on his 144th birthday with a Doodle on Google.com.
Q4: How as the training schedule of Gama Pehalwan?
Ans: Gama would get up very early in the morning normally at 0300 every day. He would perform 4,000 deep knee bends including jumping squats. In the afternoon he would perform around 2000 one arm and two arm press-ups. Also, would do 4 miles of running daily and then 3-4 hours of wrestling.
Q5: Who was the Idol of Bruce Lee?
Ans: There are many who consider Bruce Lee as their idols but who was the idol of Bruce Lee? It was Ghulam Muhammad, who was popularly known to the world as ‘Gama Pehalwan‘.
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