How Dara Singh Defeated King Kong and Became a World Champion

In 1962 the Indian heavyweight Dara Singh faced the global sensation King Kong, a wrestler weighing around 200 kilograms. Critics predicted a swift defeat, but Singh’s explosive power turned the match into a historic spectacle. He hoisted the towering opponent with both hands, suspended him in the air, and slung him out of the ring, leaving the crowd in awe. The victory cemented his status as a world‑class athlete. Earlier, in 1959, Singh had captured the Commonwealth World Championship by beating former champion George Gardianika. He repeated his dominance in 1968 by overcoming three‑time heavyweight champion Lalu Thaj, adding another world title to his résumé. Over his 36‑year tenure, Singh never recorded a single loss, a record that remains unbeaten in Indian wrestling history.