Google Doodle celebrates birth anniversary of legendary wrestler Gama Pehalwan

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Google Doodle today celebrates the birth anniversary of pre-independent India’s greatest wrestler Gama Pehalwan, an undefeated world wrestling champion.</p>
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Born in 1878 in a village near Amritsar, he was from a family of wrestlers. He was awarded the World Heavyweight title in 1910.</p>
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His workout routine included 500 squats (bethaks) and 500 push-ups at the age of 10, Google said. In 1888, Gama won a squats contest that saw the participation of over 400 wrestlers from across the subcontinent, bringing him fame at a very young age.</p>
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One of the most significant feats achieved by Gama was lifting a 1,200-kg stone in 1902. The stone is now kept at the Baroda Museum, according to a report.</p>
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In the Google Doodle, which is created by artist Vrinda Zaveri, Gama Pehalwan is shown holding a silver mace, which was presented to him by The Prince of Wales, during his visit to India as a mark of honour to his strength.</p>
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“Gama’s legacy continues to inspire modern-day fighters. Even Bruce Lee is a known admirer and incorporates aspects of Gama’s conditioning into his own training routine!"</p>
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One of his most formidable rivals was Raheem Bakhsh Sultaniwala, the then-World Champion who stood nearly seven feet tall compared to Gama’s 5 feet 8 inches. The two competed four times, out of which three contests ended in a draw and Gama won the fourth.</p>
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Gama spent his last days in Lahore and died in 1960.</p>
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Today's doodle celebrates Gama Pehalwan's accomplishments in the ring but also the impact and representation he brought to Indian culture, Google said.</p>
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Traditional wrestling in North India started to develop around the early 1900s. During these tournaments, spectators admired the wrestlers’ physiques and were inspired by their disciplined lifestyle, Google explained.</p>