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Billy Robinson and Others
At the time of writing, brand new and original research, it’s now 2026 and I have found Billy Robinson in India during1962 and 1964. After all this time we now have some record of what Billy did out there.
I wrote before about Madras and some of these wrestlers can also be found on those Madras moments. Ahmedabad is over 1000 miles from Madras.
All the matches were in the Vallabhbhai Stadium. The exact history of the stadium is clouded with changes, an outdoor venue that later had an indoor 5,000 seater built on it’s site. Today it’s an outdoor cricket ground that can host 130,000.
Back in the sixties I understand the capacity was 40,000-50,000. How they liked their cricket and occasional Wrestling.
By population Ahmedabad, in the west of India, is the sixth largest city.
The Bombay Wresting Association ran the shows that I talk about.
Bombay was about 400 miles from Ahmedabad.
The season was to run March until the end of May, and the opening show was on 9th March in 1962. Dara Singh beats New Zealander Al Rodgoa that day. A name we saw in Britain, John DaSilva, beat Swaran Singh.
The debut of Bill Robinson came on the 16th March against Kishanlal Pandah. Billy handled the guy majestically, dominating and won 2-1, and was applauded for his range of skills. The United Kingdom’s Prince Kumali was also on this bill, beating Superman.
However on the 20th Billy came up against Dara Singh, and before the largest crowd so far they really entertained the fans. Robinson no doubt had to sell Dara Singh a 2-1.
The 23rd was a rest for Robinson but familiar names DaSilva and Kumali were on the show. There was another show the next night with Lofty Binnie and also the UK’s Sitting Bull. Binnie I had picked up in Madras in January.
27th March 1962, Robinson and DaSilva drew with Randhawa and Tiger Joginder. This match went a full hour to provide great entertainment.
The month finished on the 30th with Billy and Randhawa going to a draw. Top of the bill was Dara Singh and Kumali, which was described as a tame draw.
Putting it all in context, the last match I have Robinson down for in the UK before this was 23rd February 1962 at Leicester with Gwyn Davies.
I can’t offer anything for April 1962 but have the full itinerary for May 62.
1st May kicks off with Dara Singh beating Lofty Binnie and well known names such as Kumali and Sitting Bull were on the bill. The Bull so active in India was actually Ben Wotijeski, well known on the English Indy circuit as Sitting Bull and Thunderbird.
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