Gama Pahelwan’s wrestling dynasty continues as his descendants, including Imam Baksh and the Bholu Brothers, uphold their family’s legacy. Explore the history of these legendary wrestlers and their contributions to the sport.
The Legacy of Gama Pahelwan: Descendants Keep Wrestling Traditions Alive
Gama Pahelwan: The Unbeaten Champion of His Time Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, better known as Gama Pahelwan, remains one of the greatest wrestlers in history. As the Rustam-e-Hind and world champion, he dominated the sport for over 52 years, remaining undefeated throughout his career. Before India’s partition, Gama was revered as the wrestling champion of undivided India, setting an unparalleled standard in the sport.
While Gama’s name is widely recognized, his family members also played a crucial role in wrestling. His younger brother Imam Baksh was a formidable competitor but did not receive the same level of recognition as Gama.
Imam Baksh: A Towering Wrestling Titan
Imam Baksh, standing at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches, had a physique that rivaled some of the world’s best wrestlers. In April 1910, alongside his brother Ahmed Baksh and fellow wrestler Gamu, he traveled to England to participate in European wrestling tournaments.
During one memorable bout, Imam Baksh defeated Swiss champion John Lemm, showcasing his extraordinary skill and strength. His growing reputation earned him acknowledgment from his legendary brother, Gama.
In 1918, during a historic wrestling event in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Gama passed on the title of Indian Champion to Imam Baksh after he defeated Rahim Sultaniwala in just 20 minutes. This victory cemented Imam’s place in wrestling history.
However, despite his talent, Imam Baksh never received the same level of fame and recognition as Gama. Many experts, including renowned wrestling analyst Henry Werner, believed that Imam was as skilled as Gama but remained overshadowed.
By the mid-1940s, Gama added a stipulation that any wrestler wanting to challenge him first had to defeat Imam Baksh, further proving his brother’s strength and reputation.
The Next Generation: Sons Continue the Tradition
Imam Baksh’s sons—Bholu, Hassu, Azam, Aslam, Akram, and Goga Pahelwan—kept the wrestling tradition alive. Known as the Bholu Brothers, they carried forward their family’s wrestling legacy.
One of their key contributions was the establishment of wrestling gyms to train future generations. Bholu’s akhada, Dar-ul-Sehat, in Karachi became a crucial center for wrestling in Pakistan. The country’s first Prime Minister, Liaqat Ali Khan, allotted the facility to the Gama family for training young wrestlers, and the government even provided a special grant in recognition of their services.
Bholu Pahelwan: The Pride of Pakistan Wrestling
Manzoor Hussain, better known as Bholu Pahelwan, was the eldest son of Imam Baksh. He spent his childhood in Amritsar before moving to Lahore in 1947 after partition.
Bholu made his wrestling debut in March 1939 at Minto Park (now Iqbal Park) in Lahore, defeating Ahmad Baksh. Throughout his illustrious career, he defeated renowned European wrestlers such as:
- Karl Pojello
- George Zbisko
- Emil Koroshenko
- Baron Von Heczey
- Jeji Goldstein
In April 1949, he won the Rustam-e-Pakistan title by defeating the top-ranked wrestler Younus Gujranwalia. His contributions to wrestling earned him the Pride of Performance award from the Pakistan government in 1962.
Bholu passed away on March 6, 1985, but his son, Nasir Bholu, carried forward the family’s legacy.
Azam, Akram, and Goga Pahelwan: Wrestling Icons
- Azam Pahelwan (Raja) was born in 1925 in Amritsar. Known for his agility and flexibility, he wrestled across India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He defeated major wrestlers, including Ron Reed (USA), Gora Singh, and Baron Von Heczey.
- Akram Pahelwan (born 1930) gained the title “Double Tiger” in East Africa in 1953 after a series of victories. He remained active in wrestling until his loss to Japan’s Antonio Inoki in 1976.
- Goga Pahelwan (Moazzam) was trained by Gama Pahelwan for 15 years. Though lightly built, he had exceptional speed and reflexes, competing against wrestlers such as Tiger Joginder, Ganpat Andolkar, and Earl Maynard.
The Decline of Indian Wrestling in the Global Arena
After World War II, the global popularity of traditional wrestling declined. Indian wrestlers, who once dominated the sport, struggled to find sponsors and were gradually pushed out of international tournaments.
As a result, many descendants of Gama Pahelwan and Imam Baksh could not achieve the same level of fame. However, their contributions remain an integral part of wrestling history and are still remembered by fans worldwide.
A Legacy That Lives On
The descendants of Gama Pahelwan have played a vital role in keeping wrestling traditions alive. Though the sport has evolved, their contributions remain a source of inspiration.
With wrestling’s resurgence in India and Pakistan, there is hope that new generations will revive the greatness of the Gama wrestling dynasty and continue its rich heritage.
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