Name Aslam Pahalwan | Died 1989, Pakistan | |
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RIP Dead Wrestlers: Muhammad Aslam Khan
Aslam Khan (January 14, 1927 – January 7, 1989) popularly known as Aslam Pahalwan was a Pakistani professional wrestler and World Heavyweight Champion. In Europe and America, he wrestled as the All Indian Champion. His son Jhara Pahalwan was also a wrestler.
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Professional wrestling career
Aslam Pahalwan started his wrestling career as the pupil of Hamida Pahalwan and the Great Gama of India. He started wrestling during the 1940s. He commenced his career by participating in tournaments held mostly in the Punjab region, but he also competed in games held in other parts of India. His first wrestling match was in Amritsar against Bala Pahalwan of India, whom he defeated his opponent in ninety seconds. He also defeated Niranjan Singh in Patiala in less than two minutes. During the pre-independence days, the Maharaja of Patiala used to sponsor a wrestling championship in his princely state each year, during the Islamic month of Moharram. During one such tournament, Aslam defeated Puran Singh in a final showdown.
After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, Aslam got stationed in Lahore, Pakistan, where he defeated Kala Pahalwan and Aslam Mohni Wala. In 1951, Aslam defeated Younus Pahalwan (also known as Younus Gujranwala of Gujranwala) for the title of Rustam-e-Punjab. He was officially declared Rustam-i-Punjab (Champion of Punjab) in Minto Park.
After becoming the champion of Punjab, he wrestled and defeated the 1939 International Wrestling Australia (IWA) Heavyweight Champion, George Pencheff, who were operating throughout India during the early 1950s. In 1953, he won the Commonwealth Championship. Aslam then issued challenges to wrestlers all over the world and announced a reward of 100,000 rupees to any wrestler who could beat him. In a challenge match, Aslam defeated Indian wrestler Tarlok Singh at the National Stadium in Karachi in the second round. In Nairobi in 1953 he defeated Mahinder Singh. In another challenge match, Aslam defeated the European Heavyweight Champion and former World Champion, Bert Assirati in Bombay, India on 3 June 1954. In 1957, he traveled to the Far East. Aslam defeated King Kong and Sheik Wadi Ayuob. Aslam later defeated Tiger Sucha Singh and Joginder Singh at the National Stadium in Karachi in a challenge match. In May 1962 he defeated King Kong Czaja and Lofty Binnie of New Zealand in Karachi.
During the early 1960s, he wrestled in India and Pakistan. In 1967, Aslam was sponsored by British promoter Christopher Whelan. He toured the United Kingdom and faced opponents at the leading arenas of the North, Midlands and Scotland. He defeated the Canadian Champion George Gordienko. On his return home, he was awarded the President's Award of Pride of Performance. In 1971, he wrestled in United Kingdom, but this visit was cut short due to India-Pakistan war. He was managed by the British wrestling promoter Orig Williams.
Aslam retired from wrestling during the early 1970s. He died on 7 January 1989 at the age of 62 in Pakistan. His son Jhara Pahalwan was also a champion wrestler.