Google Doodle Honors Hamida Banu, India's Trailblazing Female Wrestler

Google Doodle celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Hamida Banu,India's first professionalfemale wrestler, who fearlessly challenged gender norms and broke barriers in the male-dominated sport during the 1940s and 50s. Banu's dedication to her craft and unyielding spirit continue to inspire generations, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the world of wrestling.

Hailing from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Banu earned the nickname "Amazon of Aligarh" for her remarkable achievements in the wrestling arena. Throughout her career, she won over 320 matches, defeating both male and female opponents with her unparalleled strength and skill. Banu's imposing presence in the ring was matched by her incredible physical attributes—she weighed 17 stone (108kg) and stood at 5ft 3in (1.6m) tall.

In February 1954, Banu made headlines across the nation when she issued a bold challenge tomarry any manwho could defeat her in a wrestling match. This daring move not only showcased her confidence in her abilities but also defied societal expectations and norms. Banu went on to defeat two male wrestling champions, one from Patiala in northern Punjab and the other from Kolkata (then known as Calcutta) in West Bengal, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable competitor.

To maintain her extraordinary strength and stamina, Banu followed a rigorous diet that consisted of a staggering amount of food. Her daily consumption included 5.6 litres of milk, 2.8 litres of soup, 1.8 litres of fruit juice, a whole chicken, nearly 1kg of mutton, almonds, half a kilo of butter, 6 eggs, two large loaves of bread, and two plates of biryani. This incredible dietary regimen fueled her remarkable performances in the wrestling ring.

Hamida Banu's groundbreaking achievements in wrestling paved the way for future generations offemale athletesin India. Her unwavering determination, exceptional skills, and defiance of gender stereotypes made her a role model for women aspiring to succeed in male-dominated fields. As we celebrate her legacy today, Banu's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact one person can have in challenging societal norms and inspiring change.

Key Takeaways

• Hamida Banu was India's first professional female wrestler in the 1940s-50s.
• She won over 320 matches, defeating both male and female opponents.
• In 1954, she challenged men to a wrestling match, defeating two champions.
• Her diet included 5.6 liters of milk, 2.8 liters of soup, and more to fuel her performances.
• She paved the way for future female athletes in India, inspiring change and defying gender norms.