Goga Pahalwan

The bold and brave Goga Pahalwan, born 1938, in the city of Amritsar in a household brimming with wrestling victories remained under the pupilage of great Gama of India for15 years. He displayed a blazing fighting style, with speedy reflexes seldom giving his opponents a chance to return. Favorite maneuvers were back flying kick, body slam and leg breaker etc.

Goga always wanted to beat a wrestlers greater then him in size. During the 50’s era he got a chance to tackle the local champions such as Haji Afzal, Siddique son of Goonga Pahalwan and Rashid Manila Champion in Lahore. But these were the heavyweight grapplers who were parallel to Goga’s built. His aim was to defeat a wrestler double his size and capacity. He patiently waited for an opportunity to cross his path.

In 1961, Goga toured India with Bholu Brothers to wrestle in some Major Indian cities. After arrival in Kolhapur the Bholu Brothers issued challenge to the Indian Wrestlers. Gunpat Andarakar aka “Hind. Kesri’’, the reigning Indian Champ accepted their challenge and demanded a match with Aslam Pahalwan who was comparatively bigger and stronger then the other Bholu Brothers. But Goga, who was looking for an opportunity to fight a wrestler larger in dimension and muscle, stepped forward and insisted that he would fight the Gigantic Andarakar in place of his elder brother Aslam. The members of the Bholu management tried to stop Goga from fighting against the Indian because Goga was no match for this giant wrestler who has already defeated some of the big names in wrestling in India. However Goga insisted on fighting the Indian Giant. Therefore this matter was bought before Bholu Pahalwan for final opinion. Bholu Pahalwan however favored his brother’s decision keeping in view his ambition of beating a bigger wrestler then himself.

The 1961, Goga Pahalwan versus Gunpat Andarakar wrestling match took place in Kolhapur. This was a no time limit, no draw, must win type of match that was to continue until one wrestler loses or submits. This was one of the most difficult feuds of Goga’s wrestling career because the opponent was much larger and stronger then him. The highly physical match commenced between these headstrong grapplers. Ganpat Andarakar tried his best to overpower Goga through his size and strength but Goga managed to survive. After 55 minutes of continuous wrestling struggle the highly confident Goga Pahalwan emerged as a winner. He succeeded in beating a wrestler much bigger then him in size and achived what he longed for since childhood. Goga received a prize of Rupees ten thousand and a heavy traditional Indian wrestling trophy called Gurz as a reward for this achievement. The members of the Bholu’s management to celebrate the victory performed the traditional ritual of Dastar Bandi.

During the 50’s era Goga also competed in different type of foreign wrestling events. He competed against some prominent wrestlers such as Kid Zembo, Wanik Buckley, Boonta Singh, Siddique Nukehwala, Harbans Singh, Sohni, Jogindar Singh, Garnam Singh, Tarlok Singh etc. It all started back in 1948 during a major wrestling tournament held in Multan where the former Indian Champion Hamida Pahalwan was scheduled to fight Qadir Baksh in the main event of the day. While the grand wrestlers Imam Baksh and Gama watched the tournament proceed. Customarily in India and Pakistan every main wrestling event is preceded by minor wrestling feuds between the less experienced junior wrestlers. A 17-year-old wrestler boy of another wrestling club entered the arena and waited for an opponent from the other side. Imam Baksh directed his ten-year-old son Goga to go into the arena and fight this 17-year-old wrestler who looked somewhat gigantic compared to 10-year-old Goga. The young Goga was too young to tackle this Giant and consequently lost the match and became upset. On public questioning about why did Imam Baksh made his 10-year-old son Goga fight a 17 year old wrestler much older then him? Imam baksh replied that, one must experience the agony of defeat before he could actually become a true winner in life. One should know the difference between defeat and victory and should know how to tackle them. Consequently Goga was very disappointed on losing a wrestling match in a family where defeat was not expected

Goga Pahalwan was the youngest among the Bholu brothers who remained a professional wrestler during the later years and seldom lost a match. In Tag team wrestling he teamed with Akram. There is no modern comparison for Bholu Pahalwan because Bholu unofficially retired during the mid 50's. Goga is the younger Brothers of Bholu Pahalwan who is better remembered because he continued wrestling during the later years. Bholu only acted as a backup for his brothers. Goga is remembered for defeating Haruka Eigen of Japan during the last days of his career. He is the only member of the Bholu Brothers wrestling team who never gave up active wrestling in his lifetime. He died in the ring.