Google Doodle today celebrates Gama Pehlwan's 144th birth anniversary; know who he is

Google Doodle today is celebrating Gama Pehlwan's 144th birthday. Here is all you need to know about him.

Google Doodle today celebrates Gama Pehlwan's 144th birthday. Check details. (Google)

Google Doodle today is celebrating Gama Pehlwan's 144th birth anniversary. Gama Pehlwan earned the name “The Great Gama” as he remained undefeated throughout his international matches and was widely considered one of best wrestlers of all time. Informing about the same, Google said, "Gama Pehlwan was widely considered one of best wrestlers of all time. Gama remained undefeated throughout his international matches and earned the name “The Great Gama.” Today's Doodle—created by guest artist Vrinda Zaveri—celebrates Gama Pehlwan's accomplishments in the ring but also the impact and representation he brought to Indian culture."

Apart from being known as The Great Gama, Gama earned several titles during his career, notably the Indian versions of the World Heavyweight Championship (1910) and the World Wrestling Championship (1927) where he was bestowed with the title of “Tiger” after the tournament. He was even presented a silver mace by the Prince of Wales during his visit to India to honor the great wrestler. Gama's legacy continues to inspire modern day fighters. According to the information provided by Google, even Bruce Lee was a known admirer and incorporated aspects of Gama's conditioning into his own training routine!

Lower class and working class migrants would compete in royal gymnasiums and gained national recognition when big tournaments were won. During these tournaments, spectators admired the wrestlers' physiques and were inspired by their disciplined lifestyle.

Gama's workout routine included 500 lunges and 500 pushups at only 10 years old. In 1888, he competed in a lunge contest with over 400 wrestlers from around the country and won. His success at the competition gained him fame throughout the royal states of India. It wasn't until he turned 15 that he picked up wrestling.

By 1910, people were reading Indian newspapers with headlines praising Gama as a national hero and world champion. Gama is also considered a hero for saving many lives during the partition of India in 1947. He spent the rest of his days until his death in 1960 in Lahore, which became a part of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.