As I climbed the steps in an old building in the middle of Kilpauk, Chennai, laughter was the first sound that reached my ears. I was greeted by a few smiling parents and a teacher who was running around correcting forms and positions and instructing her young students.
Welcome to Chennai Hoopers, a small team of hula hoop and rhythmic gymnastics enthusiasts, mostly under 16 years old.
With over 86 Guinness World Records and more certificates on the way from the last record attempt, Chennai Hoopers was indeed an intriguing and one-of-a-kind community I found amidst my lookout for young achievers. Talking to the students, one statement stood out — “Hula Hooping is fun.”
Students of ‘Chennai Hoopers’, a hula hooping school practice the art in Chennai.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran
Started in 2018 in Chennai, the expert behind it is Mrs Vijaylakshmi, a hula hoop trainer who has previously taught in Hyderabad before starting an institute in Chennai.
“There has been a rise in the students interested in Hula Hooping from when I started teaching in 2018, and even the Guinness World Record officials were mentioning how it’s good to see Hula Hooping records being made—it’s unique,” she mentioned while excusing herself to help a new student and her parent who had walked into the room.
Students of ‘Chennai Hoopers’, a hula hooping school, with their Guinness World Records.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran
It’s not an easy journey; with two hours of practice in the morning and evening each, most of the students have continuously practised for at least six months to even attempt the records. This is in addition to the immense academic pressure that students nowadays are put under. Yet, these young minds enjoy every moment they spend on the mat with the hoops.
“Their consistency and determination help them shine in the classroom as well as on the Guinness World Record platform and gymnastics floor,” said Vijayalakshmi when asked about whether students find it difficult to manage academics and such Guinness World Record attempts, which come in the middle of their school academic year.
The ages you find within the field go from as young as 5-years-old to an active 75-year-old.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran
Dreamers of tomorrow
Talking to the students, one statement stood out — “Hula Hooping is fun.”
“I want to become a gymnast and a big hula hooper,” said 10-year-old Janani Shiva while enthusiastically shaking her head when I mentioned the word “Olympics”.
Lincy V, a student at Chennai Hoopers.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran
As students who began hula hooping to fight boredom, most of them have developed much bigger dreams once they got to know about the tremendous amount of opportunities Hula Hooping as a sport has, even on international platforms.
“I want to become one of those competitive Hula Hoop experts and go for international competitions,” said Janani RS with an excited smile on her face. As someone who picked up the hoop at the age of four, 16-year-old Janani is not new to the scene and has six Guinness World Records in her name. From the most number of hoops on the elbow to foot passes, the records you find within the walls of the Chennai Hoopers’ classes are quite refreshing to see for most.
Students of ‘Chennai Hoopers’, a hula hooping school practice the art in Chennai.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran
The ages you find within the field go from as young as 5 years old to an active 75-year-old; however, it is interesting to note that it is the younger ages who have managed to bang multiple records in their name.
“I never imagined I’d end up holding a Guinness World Record, but it all started with a simple idea and a lot of curiosity. What kept me going was the excitement of doing something different and proving to myself that I could follow through. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to be the best right away — you just have to start and keep showing up.”R.S. JananiGuinness World Record holder and student at Chennai Hoopers
And what’s one thing that I found common while interacting with all of them? The sheer amount of fun and gleeful laughter that echoes in that room.
“Even mistakes often become a new technique here,” said 14-year-old Lincy V when asked what she finds interesting about Hula Hooping. “We are often just having fun, and we learn a whole new skill,” she added.
Lincy V warming up before the class.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran
For most, a couple of months of practice helps them gain enough confidence to attempt records, and the pressure of the attempt dissipates in the process, with parents and their fellow hoopers cheering them on. While records and competitions are part of the sport, some, like young Saanvi Agarwal, just enjoy performing at her school and for events.
Rising hoopers in the scene
Hula Hooping is said to have existed even before the 1300s; the modern plastic hoops you see around became popular in the early 1900s. Despite its long existence, the avenues for hoop artists to showcase their talent on international platforms are comparatively limited. For many, gender stereotypes also play a role in their continuing the practice. “There used to be many more boys interested in Hula Hooping, but with restrictions on rhythmic gymnastics coming in, many leave after getting to a basic level of expertise,” mentioned Vijaylakshmi.
Students of ‘Chennai Hoopers’, a hula-hooping school, warming up before the class.
| Photo Credit:
Akhila Easwaran
Janani also talked about having seen a rise in the number of people who are interested in hula hooping over the past few years. “More and more of my friends are also fascinated by how cool it looks and want to try it out,” she added. However, something to note is how often Hula Hooping is not considered a serious activity by many, leading to much fewer facilities, especially in schools and public arenas like parks. For most, the private classes like Chennai Hoopers are the only space they get to explore.
With more and more spotlight being put on Hula Hooping, it’s important to create more spaces like Chennai Hoopers to let the youth spread their wings and reach for the stars that we never knew existed to explore.
Published – October 15, 2025 10:00 am IST