Google honored Hamida Banu, recognized as India’s pioneering female wrestler, by featuring her on their homepage logo on Saturday. Banu, hailing from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, made significant strides in the male-dominated sport of wrestling during the 1940s and 50s. Notably, in 1954, she gained international acclaim by defeating renowned wrestler Baba Pahalwan in just 1 minute and 34 seconds, prompting his retirement from professional wrestling.
Born into a family with a wrestling background, Banu’s career spanned over three hundred victories in competitions throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Despite societal discouragement towards women’s participation in sports during that era, her success shattered gender norms, symbolizing women’s empowerment.
Banu’s audacious challenge to male wrestlers, offering her hand in marriage to the first to defeat her, underscored her fearless attitude. Moreover, she showcased her prowess on the international stage by defeating Russian wrestler Vera Chistilin in under two minutes. Nicknamed the “Amazon of Aligarh,” her triumphs, dietary regimen, and training received widespread attention.
Renowned for her bravery and sporting achievements, Banu’s legacy continues to inspire reverence in India and worldwide. She epitomized authenticity by pursuing her passion despite societal expectations. Bengaluru-based artist Divya Negi, responsible for the Google Doodle, expressed admiration for Banu’s defiance against conservative norms, highlighting her resilience against societal pressures.
