Have you checked out the Google Doodle for today? Well, the artwork is commemorating Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, an Indian wrestler of the 20th century. Popularly known by his ring name, The Great Gama, he was an undefeated wrestling champion of the world. The Google Doodle was created by guest artist Vrinda Zaveri and not only celebrates Gama Pehelwan’s accomplishments in the ring but also the impact and representation he brought to Indian culture. It also marks Rustam-e-Hind’s 144th birth anniversary.
The Great Gama was born into a family of fine wrestlers in Jabbowal village of Amritsar. When he was 10, his workout routine included 500 lunges and 500 pushups. It wasn’t until he turned 15 that he picked up wrestling. By 1910, people were reading Indian newspapers with headlines praising Gama as a national hero and world champion, according to Google.
New Google Doodle has been released: "Gama Pehlwan's 144th Birthday" :)#google #doodle #designhttps://t.co/Hk0R9zGIUu pic.twitter.com/yctKFlbZMk
— Google Doodles EN (@Doodle123_EN) May 21, 2022
Gama Pehelwan is also considered a hero for saving the lives of many Hindus during the partition of India in 1947. He spent the rest of his days until his death in 1960 in Lahore, which became a part of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
During his illustrious career, he won many titles, notably the Indian version of the World Heavyweight Championship (1910) and the World Wrestling Championship (1927), where he was bestowed with the title of “Tiger” after the tournament.
As per Google, even Bruce Lee is a known admirer and incorporates aspects of Gama's conditioning into his own training routine.
Happy Birthday, Gama Pehelwan!