Darwaish
There was a time when being a Pehalwan was a way of life, an art and a passion.
Thousands of people used to watch Rustum-i-Pakistan which was a very popular event in Lahore (just like a one day cricket game these days). You could easily find many Ukhara’s or Akhara’s (kinda small stadiums where traditional wrestlers exercise) in the city with Pehalwans doing their routine exercises but not anymore.
I have some wonderful childhood memories of having Khalis Lassi (sorry folks, I don’t know what Lassi is called in English but Khalis means Pure) near Pehalwani neighborhoods just behind Lahore Fort.
Going there once in a month with family for traditional Lahori Nashta+Lassi was just great. Not to mention some serious exercise was a must and we used to skip lunch after having that Nashta+Lassi. I don’t know if the quality and taste is still the same, I haven’t been there in ages which is sad.
Even today, if you ask any of your grandparents they would definitely tell you wonderful stories about the legendary Gama Pehalwan or Imam Bux (Bukhsh) Pehalwan or other world famous ambassadors of this beautiful sport (most recently the Bholu brothers: Aslam, Akram, Goga and Azam). People in their mid-twenties may still remember the grand event that took place many many years ago when a number of wrestlers (including Hulk Hogan, The Mask Man, The Under-Taker etc.) from all around the world came to Pakistan and we were entertained with traditional Pehalwani vs Hollywood wrestlers. I still remember Jhara Pehalwan vs Hollywood Hogan :o) which Jhara won of course.
[ATP adds: For a generation before that it was the great Japanese wrestler Anoki who came to Lahore to wrestle, I think, Akram Pehalwan… I believe Anoki won, big time!]
Sadly, the art of pehalwani has slowly been diminishing in Lahore. Though I have had a chance to see some healthy signs in Gujranwala (Gujranwala is called the ‘City of Pehalwans’). A serious effort is needed from people and the local government to revive this beautiful art/game in Lahore otherwise it’s not that far when we will only be finding Pehalwani in history books.
Good Work,
The Photos and the theory was quite good, iam an indian but all the stories about the Great Gama pahelwan, Akram pahelwan, Jhara pahelwan etc,. respectively I use to hear from my father same exactly as the way mentioned above, they were just rock solids and disciplined. This is what a “Desi” is what all about what the other nations came and experienced.
I am proud of Rahim Bakhsh Sultaniwala because he was also of kashmiri heritage like me and was also from my city Gujranwala, Elders in my town tell that he was almost 7 feet tall and has one of the finest bodies they had ever seen.He was the only wrestler who gave the Great Gama tough time and Gama could not defeat him. our city is city of wrestlers and Rahim Baksh Sultaniwala is the king of all wrestlers from Gujranwala to this day.
Very interesting post!!!
The nations who forget their traditions they don’t survive in this world. my family have 3 world champions.
1.The Great GAMA Pehalwan:
He defeated Zibisco in England Wimbley & The British Queen rewarded him with World Champ. belt.
2.Ghulam pehalwan:
The first subcontinental world champ.Mr.Nehru
took him to England to wrestle for The World Championship title.
3. The Great Imam Buksh(Rustam-e-Hind):
He wrestled with many great wrestlers of the world and won all of them.He also defeated the great German
wrestler, Crimer.
4.Bholu Pehalwan:
He defeated Henry Perry,World Champ. and won the title.
5.JHARA Pehalwan (The great wrestler)
He defeated Antonio Anoki,Japanese World champ when he was only 19.Antonio’s fight with M.Ali,the boxer was a draw.Jhara also defeated World Champ. St. Johns.Jhara was an undisputed champ in his lifetime.
6.Azam Pehalwan:
He defeated Antrakhez from Holland who won the olympic & Karate world championship thrice.
I like kushti any one can tell me about wrestling institutes in pak.