Kashmir's 'Rubber Boy' twists head 180 degrees and squeezes entire body through tennis racket
The 'Rubber Boy of Kashmir' is the nickname given to Sayam Hyder, a contortionist, dancer and yoga instructor from North Kashmir who is twisting, bending and squeezing his way towards dreams of international recognition.
In a remarkable display of flexibility, Hyder, the so-called "Rubber Boy" of Kashmir, has managed to twist his head 180 degrees and pass his entire body through a tennis racket with no strings remaining. This extraordinary feat has earned him accolades from the International Book of Records and solidified his nickname, "Rubber Boy."
At 29 years old, Hyder has showcased his exceptional talents across India, having begun his journey at the age of 13, inspired by a YouTube video that captured his interest in movement. His performances have taken him through various Indian states, including appearances on India's Got Talent. However, an invitation to audition for America's Got Talent was ultimately declined due to a lack of sponsorship.
The road to his current level of flexibility has been challenging, marked by injuries and countless hours of rigorous training. Hyder's arm was fractured during one of his early attempts at learning contortion techniques, yet he persevered and continued to refine his skills. His journey included training under martial arts instructor Afak Sadi in Hajin, who assisted him in perfecting his stretching methods.
The moniker "Rubber Boy" was bestowed upon him by his audience, who regularly remarked on his ability to bend and contort his body like rubber. Hyder has amassed four international book records, an influencer record, and a title from the Bharat Book of Records. His most recent achievement, recognized by the International Book of Records, involved passing his entire body through a tennis racket five times in one minute, a feat accomplished in July 2025.
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