In an era when women were primarily confined to the home in India, one woman shattered barriers and captured the imaginations of millions. Hamida Banu, dubbed the “Amazon of Aligarh,” was India’s first professional female wrestler. With her unmatched strength, extraordinary training routine, and unwavering determination, she challenged societal norms and paved the way for countless women in sports.
Hamida Banu’s Early Life and Challenge
Born in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Hamida Banu grew up in a society where women were expected to conform to traditional norms. However, Banu had other plans. She was drawn to wrestling, a sport that was considered the exclusive domain of men.
With her exceptional strength, agility, and determination, she began to make a name for herself in the wrestling circuit.
In February 1954, Banu made headlines by announcing that any man who could defeat her in a wrestling match would earn her hand in marriage. This bold challenge drew attention from across the country, and she subsequently defeated two male champions, one from Patiala and another from Kolkata.
Her third match that year, against Baba Pahalwan in Vadodara, was a testament to her skill and prowess, as she won the bout in just 1 minute and 34 seconds.
The “Amazon of Aligarh”
Banu’s reputation continued to grow, and she earned the nickname “Amazon of Aligarh” after her hometown in Uttar Pradesh. In 1944, she drew a crowd of 20,000 in Mumbai to watch her face Goonga Pahalwan, although the fight was eventually called off due to her opponent’s demands.
Her matches against international wrestlers, including Russia’s “female bear” Vera Chistilin, further solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world.
Physical Prowess and Intense Training
Banu’s physique and training regimen were often the subject of newspaper headlines. Standing at 5’3″ (1.6m) and weighing 108kg, she consumed an extraordinary diet to fuel her nine-hour sleep and six-hour training schedule.
Her daily diet consisted of 5.6 liters of milk, 1.8 liters of fruit juice, 2.8 liters of soup, nearly 1kg of mutton and almonds, a fowl, two big loaves of bread, 500g butter, 6 eggs, and two plates of biryani.
Controversies and Personal Struggles
Despite her accolades, Banu’s career was not without controversy. Some claimed her fights were pre-arranged, while others criticized her for challenging societal norms. One match against Ramchandra Salunke had to be cancelled following objections from the local wrestling federation, and she was once booed and stoned by the crowd after defeating a male wrestler.
Banu’s personal life was equally turbulent. Her coach, Salam Pahalwan, allegedly tried to prevent her from going to Europe by breaking her hands, and she was left with fractured legs after the attack. Following this incident, she disappeared from the wrestling scene, retreating to Kalyan where she made a modest living selling milk and snacks until her death in 1986.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the struggles she faced, Hamida Banu’s legacy endures as a testament to her indomitable spirit and the barriers she broke for women in sports. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, determination, and courage in the face of adversity.
FAQs
Who was Hamida Banu?
Hamida Banu was India’s first professional female wrestler, known as the “Amazon of Aligarh.”
What was Hamida Banu’s most notable challenge?
In 1954, Banu challenged any man who could defeat her in a wrestling match to earn her hand in marriage.
When did Hamida Banu die?
She reportedly passed away in 1986.
Why is Hamida Banu important?
Hamida Banu is a symbol of female empowerment and a pioneer for women in sports. She defied societal norms and proved that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated arenas.
