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In the world of wrestling, few names shine as brightly as The Great Gama, also known as Rustam-e-Hind (Champion of India). Born in British India, Ghulam Muhammad earned global fame for his undefeated record, remarkable strength, and dedication to the art of Pehlwani (traditional Indian wrestling). His life and career remain legendary not only in India and Pakistan but around the world.
Who Was The Great Gama?
Full Name: Ghulam Muhammad
Born: May 22, 1878, in Amritsar, British India
Died: May 23, 1960, in Lahore, Pakistan
The Great Gama was born into a family of wrestlers in Punjab and trained under the guidance of his father and later his uncle, Ida Pehlwan. From a young age, he showed extraordinary strength and stamina. By the age of 10, he was already winning competitions against adult wrestlers.
Meaning of “Rustam-e-Hind”
The title “Rustam-e-Hind” is a Persian phrase that translates to “Champion of India”. It was an honor given to the best wrestler in the country — someone unbeatable and highly respected. Gama earned this title after defeating all the top Indian wrestlers of his time.
Unmatched Strength & Daily Routine
The Great Gama’s training routine was legendary:
5,000 squats (baithaks) every day
3,000 push-ups (dands) daily
Weightlifting and wrestling practice with multiple partners
A strict diet rich in milk, almonds, ghee, and fruits
He also lifted massive stones to build power — one of them weighing 1,200 kg is still preserved in India as a symbol of his strength.
Undefeated Wrestling Career
Throughout his life, The Great Gama never lost a single wrestling match. Some of his major victories include:
Raheem Bakhsh Sultani Wala: One of his most famous rivals and a respected veteran whom Gama eventually defeated after multiple legendary matches.
Stanislaus Zbyszko (Poland): A world-renowned wrestler whom Gama defeated in London in under one minute in 1910.
World Tour: Gama challenged wrestlers in England, the USA, and Europe, offering open challenges. Many refused to fight him out of fear.
A Global Icon
Even Bruce Lee admired The Great Gama and incorporated aspects of his training into his own routines. Gama was respected by both Indian and international wrestlers and became a symbol of physical excellence and resilience.
Legacy and Respect Across Borders
After the Partition of India in 1947, Gama moved to Pakistan but continued to receive great respect from Indians across borders. His contributions to wrestling are remembered with pride in both nations.
In recent years:
India issued a postage stamp in his honor.
His story is being included in textbooks and documentaries.
Wrestlers across India and Pakistan still draw inspiration from his discipline.
Conclusion
Rustam-e-Hind, The Great Gama, was not just a wrestler — he was a legend of strength, discipline, and honor. In a world divided by boundaries, his story unites people with admiration. His life is proof that dedication, hard work, and humility can make a person immortal in the hearts of millions.
