Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, commonly known as Rustam-e-Hind and by the ring name The Great Gama, was a pehlwani wrestler in British India and a strongman. In the early 20th century, he was an undefeated wrestling champion of the world. Wikipedia
But Gama's greatness is quite literally etched in stone. 'This stone weighing 1,200kg was lifted by the Great Ghulam Mohammad, known as 'Gama Pehlwan', on December 23, 1902, at the age of 22, who lifted it up to his chest and walked around over a fair distance.
The Great Gama was even presented a silver mace by the Prince of Wales during his visit to India to honour the great wrestler, while it is said that Bruce Lee was also a big fan of Gama Pehlwan and would incorporate bits of Gama's conditioning in his own training routine.
This bout eventually ended the long struggle between the two pillars of Indian wrestling of that time in favour of Gama and he won the title of Rustam-e-Hind or the lineal Champion of India. Later in his life when asked about who was his strongest opponent, Gama replied, "Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala".
Born in the village of Jabbowal, Amritsar District in the Punjab Province of British India in 1878,[2] Baksh was awarded a version of the World Heavyweight Championship on 15 October 1910. Undefeated in a career spanning more than 52 years, he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.[10] After the partition of British India, into the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan in August 1947, Gama opted for Pakistan, where he died in Lahore on May 23, 1960.[3][11][12]
Back in 1902, Gama, who was in his 20s and weighed around 100kgs, also achieved the impeccable feat of lifting a 1200kg rock at the Baroda Museum in Sayajibaug ahead of a competition in the city.
Gama Pahalwan used to eat 6 desi chicken, 10 liters of milk, half a liter of ghee, one and a half liters of butter, almond syrup, and 100 rotis every day.
Born in Amritsar in 1878, Gama Pehlwan was the most revered name among Indian wrestlers during his era as he didn't just achieve international success but also earned the masses' respect through his actions off the mat before his death in 1960.
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