Who Was Hamida Banu - India's First Woman Wrestler On Google Doodle Today

Today, Google pays tribute to remarkable life of Hamida Banu, a trailblazing Indian woman wrestler whose legacy embodies resilience, determination, and breaking barriers.

Born in 1920s, Hamida Banu emerged from streets of Aligarh, Uttar Presh, to challenge norms of her time and carve her name into history of Indian wrestling. In an era dominated by male wrestlers, Banu fearlessly entered arena, captivating audiences with her unmatched skill and unwavering tenacity.

Banu's journey to prominence was not without its hurdles. In a bold move that sparked both miration and controversy, she issued a unique challenge in February 1954. Any man who could defeat her in a wrestling match would win her hand in marriage. This audacious declaration not only showcased her confidence but also her stefast belief in her abilities. And Banu proved her mettle, defeating two male champions from Patiala and Kolkata, respectively, before facing off against Baba Pahalwan in Vodara and emerging victorious in just over a minute.

What happened on May 4:

According to Google: 'On this day in 1954, wrestling match that earned Banu international recognition and acclaim was reported - she h defeated famed wrestler Baba Pahalwan, in just 1 minute and 34 seconds, after which latter retired from professional wrestling.

Throughout her career, Banu's prowess inside ring was matched only by her dedication outside of it. Standing at 5'3" and weighing 108kg, she hered to a rigorous training regimen and consumed a staggering amount of food daily to fuel her athletic pursuits. Her discipline and commitment earned her moniker "Amazon of Aligarh" and cemented her status as India's first professional female wrestler.

Who created Google Doodle on Hamida Banu? Google Doodle on India’s first woman wrestler was created by Bengaluru-based artist Divya Negi. Negi says she was inspired by Hamida Banu’s fight against conservative norms of day.

Despite her triumphs, Banu faced opposition and scepticism from various quarters, including local wrestling federations and doubtful spectators. Moreover, her personal life was marked by versity, as she endured violence at hands of her coach, Salam Pahalwan, resulting in physical injuries that left her incapacitated for years.

In her later years, Banu retreated from limelight, finding solace in a quiet life in Kalyan, where she earned a modest living selling milk and snacks. Yet, her legacy continues to inspire generations of women wrestlers who dare to dream and defy convention.