Gujranwala
This city is located 10 km from Eimanabad and 65 km from Lahore in the North on the G.T Road. It is one of the historical and major cities of the Punjab Province.It is not an old city. This city is not even quoted in the books of the Mughal Era.
Key Info About Gujranwala PK
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Population | Approximately 2,200,000 |
| Area | 3,198 square kilometers (1,234 sq mi) |
| Coordinates | 32.1612° N latitude, 74.1883° E longitude |
| District | Gujranwala District |
| Language | Punjabi, Urdu, and English |
| Economy | Industrial and commercial hub, known for its manufacturing and trade |
| Major Industries | Metalworking, textiles, rice milling, and ceramics |
| Transportation | Well-connected by road and rail to surrounding cities |
| Education | Several schools, colleges, and the University of the Punjab, Gujranwala Campus |
| Healthcare | Hospitals and medical facilities |
| Notable Places | Gulshan Park, Gujranwala Cricket Stadium, and Gondal House |
| Culture | Rich cultural heritage with traditional music, dance, and local cuisine |
| Administration | Gujranwala is divided into several Union Councils for local governance |
| Climate | Hot and arid, experiencing extreme temperatures in summer |
| Major Highways | M-2 Motorway, Grand Trunk Road (GT Road), and others |
| Airport | Sialkot International Airport (about 40 km away) serves the region |
A Brief History of Gujranwala
Eimanabad and Hafizabad were settled in Akbar’s regime. This area was deserted in the eighteenth century. Then, the Gojar people were expelled by Jat from Amritsar and they got settled here.
This Dera (place) of Gojar’s is called Gujranwala. At last, the grandfather of Ranjeet Singh, Charat Singh Jat occupied this area and declared Gujaranwala the capital of the state.
This place was also the residence of the son and grandson of Charat Singh. The graves of Charat Singh and his son of Mahan Singh and the birthplace of Ranjeet Singh still exist.
Wrestlers of Gujranwala
Gujranwala is not only known for the export-driven industrial units but also for the internationally recognized wrestlers. This city is honored to raise wonderful wrestlers that prove themselves around the globe. The wrestlers of Gujranwala won many grand titles ever won by any city in the world. There are about 25 bouts for wrestling in Gujranwala. Therefore, it is called the “Land of Wrestlers” and “Pahalwana da Shehar”.
Different terms are used in Gujranwala for wrestling. The style of wrestling is “Pahalwani”, the bouts are called “Dangal” and the sport is called “Kushti”. The wrestlers are named “Pahalwans”.
Rahim Baksh Sultani Wala, Muhammad Afzal (Goga Pahalwan), Yonous Pahalwan (Sitara-e-Pakistan), Meraj Pahalwan, Acha Pahalwan, Shahid Pehlwan Atty Wala, and Babar Sher-e-Punjab are some worth mentioning wrestlers in the history of Gujranwala.
Rahim Baksh Sultani wala was a great wrestler in Gujranwala with a tall height of 7 feet. He defeated the wrestlers of Lahore and Amritsar.
Yonous Pahalwan was a student of Rahim Baksh. Sitara-e-Pakistan Yonous was born on 30th December 1925 in Gujranwala. He fought at the age of 16 for the first time. He won the title of “Rustum-e-Punjab” at a very young age.
Shahid Pervaiz Butt – the pride of Punjab was born in 1964 in Gujranwala. His father and many famous wrestlers trained him. He was entitled to “Rustum-e-Gujranwala” in 1984 after defeating Aslam Pehlwan in Lahore.
Pakistan has won the most medals in wrestling since 1952. And many of the wrestlers belong to Gujranwala.
Inam Butt is one of the wrestlers of Gujranwala who is undefeated for the past many years. Despite the difficulties and inadequate facilities, he won medals for his land and nation. He won the first gold medal against India in Commonwealth Games. Pakistan won this title after 40 years.
He defeated Kenya and South Africa too. He also won the title of “Rustom-e-Pakistan”. He gained popularity as an international player in 2019 when he won a medal in World Beach Wrestling Championship. He received “Pride of Performance” by the Government of Punjab.
Haider Ali, Talha Talib, and Nida Dar are among the heroes of Gujranwala.
Haider Ali has the honor of achieving Pakistan’s first gold medal in the history of the Paralympics.
Nida Dar is the first Pakistani cricketer to complete a century of wickets in T20 matches.
Talha Talib is a young weight lifter from Gujranwala Pakistan. He made the nation proud with his excellent performance in Olympics. Coached by his father, this young wight lifter represented Pakistan in the Olympics after 45 years. He stood 5th in the 67kg category.
You can also enjoy wrestling in the local training centers. They are open in the evening. Pakistani youth have great talent. If proper training centers, gyms, grounds, and sponsorship are provided for these sports, Pakistan can win many titles in near future.
Today’s Gujranwala
Gujranwala City
This city is the seventh-largest city in Pakistan and is located at a height of 744 feet. The old city is located on a circular road. It had doors all around this city. Traces of some doors are still present.
The historical Sheranwala garden is in the center of the city. This garden plays the same role in Pakistan’s movement as the Lahore Manto Park did.
Quid-e-Azam, Liaqat Ali Khan, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Sardar Abdul Rab Nishter, Allama Mashriqi, Atta Ullah Shah Bukhari, Pandit Nehru, and other leaders delivered their enthusiastic speeches in front of a huge crowd there.
There is a beautiful Baradari in the garden built by Raja Ranjeet Singh.
It is also a city of Body Builders and wrestlers who gave birth to Rustom Hind wrestler. The old Bazaars of Gujranwala are considered among the best Bazaar in Pakistan.
Today, this city is known for iron cupboards, closets, electric fans, electronics, furniture, utensils of copper and aluminum, ceramics, stainless steel, sports, leather, and textile industries.
Bestowed with fertile land, the soil of Nandi Pur Gujranwala barrage has been laid in cricket stadiums around the world.
Famous Places of Gujranwala
Eimanabad/Aimanabad Gurdwara Rori Sahib
This Gurdwara is located in Eimanabad city, four miles to the right side on G.T Road, ten miles before Gujranwala on the way from Lahore to Gujranwala.
It is said that the cornerstone of this historical city Aimanabad was led by the king of Sialkot Salbahun in the first century B.C. This city was settled and ruined too many times. General of Humayun Aiman Baig burnt this city and settled it again as Eimanabad.
This ancient city has many historical sites in which Gurdwara Rori Sahib is one of the most sacred places for Sikhs.
It is stated that Baba Guru Nanak stayed here for some days. He didn’t find a proper place for taking a rest. He leveled the ground with small stones and slept there.
After that, Sikhs considered this place a holy place. A Gurdwara was constructed at this place and the largest Beshaki fair in United Hindustan was held there. Its redecoration continued after the creation of Pakistan. The present building is a splendid piece of architecture.
Parks
Model town park, Liaqat Park, Jinnah Park, and Iqbal Park on G.T Road have enhanced the beauty of Gujranwala. It has playgrounds, picnic spots, sailing, and playland recreational areas.
A memorial to the martyrs of Pakistan’s army is built in the Nishan Manzil Park.
The food of Wrestlers and food streets
This world-famous city of wrestlers is also renowned for its delicious food variety. Kebab, Chicken Tikka, and Chops are famous dishes. Traditional breakfasts are a specialty of this city.
In addition to Shahbaz Tikka, Allah Rakha Chicken Karhai, there are lots of restaurants and food courts at Sialkot Darwaza, androon city, and Chan da Qila Lahore Road.
Gakhar Mandi
It is a few kilometers away from Gujranwala and famous for the manufacturing of mats. There is an ancient temple of Hindus near Gakhar Mandi built on the architecture of Hiran Menaar. This locality contributes to the economic vitality of Gujranwala through diverse commercial and possibly industrial activities. Embedded in the rich cultural fabric of the region, Gakhar Mandi likely features local markets, fostering community life and offering residents access to educational and civic facilities. As an integral part of Gujranwala, Gakhar Mandi reflects the broader urban dynamics and historical narratives of this thriving city.
Famous Schools
- Beaconhouse School System: A well-known chain of private schools with a branch in Gujranwala, offering quality education.
- City School Gujranwala Campus: Another prominent private school contributing to the educational landscape of the city.
- Govt. Comprehensive High School: A notable government school with a long-standing history in Gujranwala.
Famous Colleges
- Government College University (GCU) Gujranwala: An esteemed institution offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Punjab College Gujranwala: A widely recognized private college providing intermediate and bachelor’s degree programs.
Famous Hospitals
- CMH (Combined Military Hospital) Gujranwala: A reputable military hospital known for providing healthcare services to civilians as well.
- Civil Hospital Gujranwala: A major public hospital offering a range of medical services to the local population.
Famous Restaurants
- Salt Bae Grill: A popular restaurant known for its grilled dishes and a variety of cuisines.
- Bundu Khan Restaurant: Renowned for its Pakistani and barbecue specialties, offering a vibrant dining experience.
- Food Street Gujranwala: A lively area with numerous local eateries, providing a diverse range of Pakistani and international cuisines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is Gujranwala known as “The City of Wrestlers”?
A: Gujranwala earned this title due to its deep-rooted wrestling culture, historical significance in producing skilled wrestlers, and a strong tradition of wrestling training centers.
Q: Are there specific training centers for wrestlers in Gujranwala?
A: Yes, Gujranwala is home to numerous Akharas, traditional training centers where aspiring wrestlers undergo rigorous training regimens to hone their skills.
Q: What role do Pehlwans (wrestlers) play in the community?
A: Pehlwans in Gujranwala hold a special place in the community, serving as sources of pride and inspiration. They often become local icons, and their achievements are celebrated with enthusiasm.
Q: Has Gujranwala produced wrestlers of national and international acclaim?
A: Absolutely. Gujranwala has produced legendary wrestlers who have not only excelled nationally but have also represented Pakistan on the international stage, gaining recognition globally.
Q: How is wrestling integrated into the culture of Gujranwala?
A: Wrestling is not just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon in Gujranwala. The city’s festivals and celebrations often feature wrestling competitions, intertwining the sport with local cultural events.
Q: What challenges does Gujranwala’s wrestling culture face in the modern era?
A: While the wrestling culture in Gujranwala has thrived, it faces challenges from modernization and the rise of other sports. However, the community has shown resilience in adapting while preserving the essence of the tradition.
Q: Are there any famous annual wrestling events in Gujranwala?
A: Yes, Gujranwala hosts various wrestling events throughout the year, drawing large crowds. These events are not only sporting competitions but also cultural celebrations.
Q: How does the wrestling legacy contribute to Gujranwala’s identity?
A: The wrestling legacy is an integral part of Gujranwala’s identity, shaping the city’s history and reflecting the resilience, strength, and determination of its people.
Q: Can visitors experience wrestling culture in Gujranwala?
A: Absolutely. Visitors can witness wrestling events, visit Akharas, and explore the cultural fusion of wrestling with local festivities, providing an immersive experience into Gujranwala’s unique identity.
Wind Up Lines
Gujranwala is an industrial city that is flourishing by leaps and bounds. Furthermore, it has a lot of historical places, shopping centers, food streets, and tourist spots which make it a favorite place to travel.
Gujranwala’s designation as “The City of Wrestlers” is not just a label; it is a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of its people and their commitment to a tradition that transcends generations. As the city evolves, its wrestling legacy remains etched in the collective memory, a source of pride and inspiration for all who call Gujranwala home.
