Commonwealth Games: Who was India's first medalist at the Games?

One of the biggest multi-sport events, the Commonwealth Games is underway at Birmingham in England. India has sent a 204-member contingent to the event who will leave no stones unturned to bring glory to the nation. However, not many people know the first athlete who won the first medal for India at this mega-event. Freestyle wrestler Rashid Anwar created history by winning India’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games. He clinched a Bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 74 kg class in the British Empire Games 1934, which was later renamed the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games: Who was India’s first medalist at the Games?

Rashid Anwar was born on April 12 1910 and worked as a railway official in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. He started wrestling for money in 1936 but soon represented India in international tournaments. It is even said that the Wrestler was the national champion on more than 8 number of occasions in the Welterweight category. He also represented India in the Summer Olympics 1936 in which he got knocked out in the second round. However, he kept participating in overseas tournaments alongside world champions. It is claimed that Anwar has even defeated wrestlers like Al Fuller and Billy Riley.

‘Swinging Boston Crab’ was the name that was given to his unique wrestling move. Anwar would have even clinched a medal at the Olympics 1940 based on the form he had during that phase. Unfortunately, the games didn’t take place due to the World War II outbreak. He also served as an ambulance driver during World War II before heading back to the wrestling arena in 1957. The last victory of his career came against one of the legendary wrestlers, Hans Streiger in 1959. He died at his residence in Camden, London in 1973. Despite scripting history for the nation, Rashid Mian Anwar remains one of the forgotten athletes in the Indian sporting world.