In a small, bustling corner of Kilpauk, a group of young students at the Chennai Hoopers academy is proving that the seemingly simple hula hoop is a tool for extraordinary athletic achievement. This dedicated community, with children starting as young as three years old, has collectively secured more than 86 Guinness World Records in hula hooping and rhythmic gymnastics.

As one climbs the steps in the academy’s old building, the dominant sound is a joyous chorus of laughter, the first sound that reached my ears, mingled with the rhythmic swish of hoops. Visitors are greeted by smiling parents and Vijayalakshmi Saravana, the founder and main coach, who constantly moves around correcting forms and positions and instructing her energetic students.

Founded in 2018, Chennai Hoopers has quickly grown from a handful of students to an academy that has trained hundreds of children. While hula hooping is often seen as a casual toy, these young ‘little champs’ treat it as a serious sport, combining gymnastic flexibility with immense stamina and focus.

The students’ record-breaking feats span a remarkable range of categories, including:

• Most hula hoop rotations around the neck (achieved at 211 in one minute).
• Most hula hoop rotations around the arm in one minute (reaching 220).
• Complex combinations like the Most elbow passes with a hula hoop while wearing inline skates.

A recent attempt in London saw three students—Mamathi Vinoth (8), Balasaranitha Balaji (13), and Janani Saravana (12)—successfully break an incredible nine world records in a single day, showcasing a blend of hooping, gymnastics, and roller-skating skills.

For the children of Kilpauk, the hoops are a source of confidence and a shared dream. “Hula Hooping is fun,” is a common refrain among the students. Their teacher, Ms. Saravana, who is an avid hooper and a post-graduate in International Business Administration, emphasizes the importance of patience and consistency.

The team’s success has put a global spotlight on the talent emerging from Chennai and is inspiring others to take up the sport. The children are united by a common goal: to excel in their art and perhaps one day compete in the Olympic Games, where hula hooping is a component of rhythmic gymnastics.

The Chennai Hoopers continue to break barriers and prove that with dedication, the world is their stage—or, in their case, their hoop.