Google Doodle celebrates India's Gama Pehlwan, the undefeated wrestling champion

[Liz]

Google is celebrating today the birth anniversary of wrestler Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, known by his ring name "The Great Gama". The Google Doodle in his honour has been designed by illustrator Vrinda Zaveri.

Also known as Gama Pehlwan, the wrestler was born in Amritsar on May 22, 1878. He began training when he was 10. His workout routine included 500 lunges (bethaks) and 500 push-ups at the age of 10, Google said. In 1888, Gama won a lunge contest that saw the participation of over 400 wrestlers from across the subcontinent, earning him fame at a very young age.

One of the most significant feat achieved by Gama was in 1902 when he lifted a 1,200-kg stone. The stone is now kept at the Baroda Museum, a report suggests.

He attained many titles during his career. His most notable achievements were the Indian version of the World Heavyweight Championship in 1910 and the World Wrestling Championship in 1927. At the World championship, he received the title of "Tiger".

Gama Pehlwan is an inspiration for modern-day wrestlers. Even actor and martial art instructor Bruce Lee was known to be an admirer of the wrestler. "He incorporated aspects of Gama's conditioning into his own training routine!" a note accompanying the Google Doodle read.

It is no surprise that the wrestler had a tough training routine.

One of his most formidable rivals was Raheem Bakhsh Sultaniwala, the then-World Champion who stood nearly seven feet in front of a 5 feet 8 inches Gama. The two clashed four times, ending in a draw in the first three and Gama winning the last one.

The Prince of Wales, during his visit to India, presented Gama a silver mace to honour his strength.

Gama spent his last days in Lahore and died in 1960.

Today's doodle celebrates Gama Pehalwan's accomplishments in the ring but also the impact and representation he brought to Indian culture, Google said. It is created by artist Vrinda Zaveri.