📅 Born: 1883
🕊 Died: 1977 (aged 93–94)
👨‍💼 Occupation: Wrestler
📏 Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
👨‍👦 Children: Bholu Pahalwan, Aslam Pahalwan, Akram Pahalwan, Goga Pahalwan, Azam Pahalwan
👨‍👦‍👦 Relatives: Gama Pehlwan

Imam Baksh Butt, a legendary wrestler from British India, was a master of Pehlwani and the esteemed brother of Ghulam “The Great Gama” Muhammad Lone. In April 1910, Imam, along with his brother and fellow wrestlers Ahmed Bux and Gamu, traveled to England to compete in European catch wrestling tournaments.

Imam Baksh was known for his impressive wrestling skills and stature, standing tall at 6 ft 3 in. His wrestling prowess led him to defeat Swiss champion John Lemm, showcasing his dominance on the mat.

In a historic event in 1918, Gama Ghulam Muhammad passed the title of Indian Champion to Imam Baksh after he defeated Rahim Sultaniwala in just 20 minutes. This victory solidified Imam’s reputation as a superior ground wrestler, even earning praise from Henry Werner, who believed Imam would have been a better opponent for Stanislaus Zbyszko than Gama.

By the mid-1940s, Gama, still active in the wrestling world, added a stipulation to his challenges: any wrestler who wanted to face Gama first had to defeat Imam. No one succeeded in this formidable challenge.

Imam Baksh Butt’s legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the rich history of wrestling in British India. His contributions to the sport and his enduring spirit remain an integral part of wrestling history. 🏆🤼‍♂️