Gama Pehalwan Rustam-e-Hind

The great Gama (May 22, 1878 – May 23, 1960) was a Pehalwan wrestler and strongman in British India and later Pakistan. In early 20th century, he was the undefeated wrestling champion of India. He was awarded a version of the world Heavyweight Championship on October 15, 1910. He was undefeated in his career spanning more than 52 years, and he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His height was 5 feet 8 inches, chest 46 inches, and he weighed 110 kilograms. Those who claimed the World Champion title like Toro Miyake Judo Champion (Japan), George Hackenschmidt (Russia), and Frank Gotch (USA) declined his invitation to enter the ring with Gama Pehalwan. Gama defeated Doc Benjamin Roller (USA), Maurice Deriaz (Switzerland), Johann Lemm (European Champion), and Jesse Peterson (World Champion). Gama used to do 5000 baithaks (squats) and 3000 dands (pushups) in a day.

Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt (Gama Pehalwan) was born on May 22, 1878 in Jabbowal village in Amritsar, Punjab into a Kashmiri Muslim family of traditional wrestlers. His father's name was Mohammad Aziz Baksh. After the death of his father when he was six years old, Gama was put under the care of his maternal grandfather Nun Pehalwan. Later after the death of his maternal grandfather, Gama was taken care of by his uncle Ida, a wrestler. In 1895, at 17 years old, Gama challenged the then Rustam-e-Hind middle aged Raheem Baksh Sultani Wala (7 feet tall). By 1910, Gama had defeated all the prominent Indian wrestlers except Raheem Baksh Sultan. In London, Gama issued a challenge that he could throw any three wrestlers of any weight class in 30 minutes. Gama did not have any opponent until 1927. Gama faced Zbyszko in Patiala in 1928 and defeated him and won World Wrestling Champion. After partition, Gama migrated to Pakistan, where he died in the city of Lahore on May 23, 1960. Gama had two wives, five sons and five daughters. Gama was given land and monthly pension by the government which supported his medical expenses until his death.

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