In the spotlight today is Hamida Banu, India’s trailblazing female wrestler, celebrated by Google with a dedicated doodle. Banu, a prominent figure in the 1940s and 1950s wrestling world , set a unique condition for her marriage.
Condition for Marriage
Banu, renowned for her prowess in the wrestling ring, imposed an unconventional marriage condition – she decided to marry only the one who could defeat her in a wrestling match. Despite her victories over champion wrestlers from Punjab and Bengal, no contender managed to meet this challenge. Banu even appealed to the then Maharashtra Chief Minister, Morarji Desai, alleging an unofficial ban on her matches, a claim Desai refuted.
Dietary Regimen
Banu’s imposing presence in the ring was matched by her formidable diet regimen. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 108 kg, her daily intake included 5.6 liters of milk, 2.8 liters of soup, 1.8 liters of fruit juice, a desi chicken, a kilogram of mutton, a kilogram of almonds, half a kilogram of ghee, six eggs, and two plates of biryani.
Career Turn
After her success in India, Banu had aspirations of competing in Europe. However, her plans were thwarted, reportedly due to opposition from her coach, Salam Pehalwan. Allegations surfaced that Banu suffered physical abuse, including broken legs, prompting her premature departure from the wrestling world.
Hamida Banu’s legacy endures as a pioneer in Indian women’s wrestling, paving the way for future generations of athletes.
