Hamida Banu

Hamida Banu (died 1986) was India’s first female wrestler. She was known for dominating the wrestling circuits for over a decade from the time of her debut in 1937. She was also known as the "Amazon of Aligarh." She challenged and won against many male Indian wrestlers of the time and also participated in wrestling competitions in Europe.

Early life and background Born in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh in the early 1920s, Banu was initiated into martial arts at the age of 10 by her father, a famous wrestler named Nader Pahelwan. Little else is known about Banu’s early life.

Wrestling career and notable matches Banu began her career as a wrestler at a time when most sports in India, and wrestling in particular, were male-dominated spaces. She began her training in Aligarh under a local wrestler named Salam Pahalwan. At these matches, Hamida wore the same sports outfit,

In 1954, Banu notably defeated Russian pro-wrestler Vera Chistilin, known as the "female bear," within a minute in Mumbai's Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium.

In 2024, Google Doodle paid tribute to Banu as India’s first woman wrestler.