Kashmir’s Rubber Boy Amazes Audiences
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.
Footage shows Hyder turning his head 180 degrees and squeezing his entire body through a tennis racket with the strings removed. His racket feat has also earned him recognition from the International Book of Records.
At 29, the self-taught performer has already taken his extraordinary flexibility to audiences across India. He began his journey at 13, after a YouTube video sparked his interest in movement.
Hyder would go on to perform in several Indian states, even participating in India’s Got Talent. He says an invitation to appear on America’s Got Talent followed, but a lack of sponsorship prevented him from making the trip.
Years Of Training Pay Off
Behind the performances are years of training, injuries and determination. Hyder says he fractured his arm while learning, but returned to training and continued mastering increasingly difficult contortion techniques.
“I started watching dance videos in 2010, particularly interested in popping and animation dance. I experimented with it and practised until I began performing,” Hyder recalled.
“It took nearly a decade of serious training,” he added. “I also trained under martial arts teacher Afak Sadi in Hajin, who helped me refine my stretching techniques.”
His ‘Rubber Boy’ nickname came from the audiences watching him perform.
“People would say, ‘You are like rubber,’ after my performances, cementing the nickname,” he said.
Records For Flexibility
Hyder says he holds four international book records, an influencer record and a title from the Bharat Book of Records.
One record, awarded by the International Book of Records, recognised him for passing his full body through a tennis racket five times in one minute in July 2025.
Article by Viory
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