Hamida Banu occupies a unique space in the annals of Indian sports history as the nation’s first professional female wrestler. Her story, of strength, resilience, and defiance, continues to inspire athletes even today.
Born in the early 1900s into a family of wrestlers from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, Hamida Banu developed a passion for wrestling at a young age. Despite the prevailing social norms against participation of women in something as physically demanding as wrestling, Hamida Banu refused to give up and trained diligently, honing her skills and defying stereotypes.
Faced with resistance from her family, Banu left Mirzapur and travelled to Aligarh where she came across wrestler Salam Pahalwan, who recognized her talent and made her train rigorously, developing a powerful physique and mastering wrestling techniques.
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Hamida Banu became a dominant force in the wrestling in the 1940s and 1950s. She was so confident that she started challenging male wrestlers to compete against her. She even offered to marry any male who defeated her.
“Beat me in a bout and I’ll marry you.” Hamida would openly challenge her male counterparts.
Banu was supposed to fight Chhote Gama Pahalwan, a wrestler patronised by the Maharajah of Baroda who withdrew at the last minute, saying that he wouldn’t fight a woman. Likewise Banu’s fight against Baba Pahalwan – a seemingly formidable opponent lasted just one minute and 34 seconds.
Similarly Banu defeated Vera Chistilin, known as Russia’s “female bear,” in less than a minute in Mumbai.
Banu impressive record as an undefeated champion included over 300 victories against renowned male wrestlers. Newspapers across the country chronicled her triumphs, detailing her rigorous training regimen, legendary appetite, and unmatched skills.
According to newspaper reports Hamida Banu, was 5ft 3in tall, and weighed 108kg. Her daily diet included 5.6 litres of milk, 1.8 litres of fruit juice, 6 eggs, a fowl, 2.8 litres of soup, nearly 1kg of mutton and almonds, half a kilo of butter, two large loaves of bread, and two plates of biryani.
Beyond her physical strength, Banu was known for her tactical prowess, outsmarting her opponents and exploiting their weaknesses. This combination of physical power and strategic brilliance made her nearly invincible.
Banu’s impact transcended the wrestling ring. She became a symbol of women’s empowerment, defying social constructs and proving that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated domains. Her story resonated with countless women across India, inspiring them to challenge limitations and pursue their dreams.
However, Banu’s career wasn’t without its challenges. As a female wrestler, she faced constant scrutiny and prejudice. The wrestling world, a male bastion, wasn’t always welcoming. There were instances of unfair judgements and attempts to discredit her.
But Banu persevered despite the obstacles. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to the sport kept her pushing forward. She used her platform to advocate for greater opportunities for women in wrestling and sports in general.
While the specifics of her later life remain unclear, it is believed that Banu faced financial difficulties towards the end of her career. Nevertheless, her legacy continues to inspire.
Hamida Banu’s pioneering spirit paved the way for generations of female wrestlers in India. Today, India boasts a strong contingent of female wrestlers on the global stage, like Geeta Phogat and Vinesh Phogat, who have brought home Olympic medals. These women stand on the shoulders of giants like Hamida Banu, who dared to dream and fight for a space in a male-dominated sport.
Banu’s legacy extends beyond the wrestling mat. She serves as an inspiration for all who dare to challenge the status quo and pursue their passions. Her story is a testament to the power of human will and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.
