Indian Martial Artist Sidhu Kshetri Makes History with 55-Hour Punching Marathon
Written by Sanjay Kumar
In an extraordinary display of endurance and determination, 42-year-old Indian martial artist Sidhu Kshetri has etched his name into the prestigious Guinness World Records book for the longest marathon punching a punching bag. Kshetri’s remarkable achievement saw him tirelessly throwing punches for an astonishing 55 hours and 15 minutes, surpassing the previous record by a mere 5 minutes.
To secure his place in the record books, Kshetri adhered to strict guidelines set by Guinness World Records, requiring him to throw at least one punch every 2 seconds. The rules permitted a 5-minute break every hour, but these breaks could be accumulated for longer rest periods. This meant that Kshetri had to maintain a relentless pace, occasionally taking longer breaks when necessary to ensure he could endure the grueling challenge.
This latest record-breaking feat is not the first time that Sidhu Kshetri has left an indelible mark in the realm of martial arts and physical accomplishments. In 2013, he set the record for the most martial arts kicks in three minutes using one leg, an astounding 620 kicks. In 2011, Kshetri achieved another milestone by executing the most martial arts kicks in one minute using a single leg, totaling 168 kicks.
In an exclusive statement to Guinness World Records, Sidhu Kshetri expressed his motivation for attempting such a challenging record: “I have been practicing martial arts for the last 25 years. I am interested in contributing to my country, so I decided to attempt this world record.”
The journey towards this record was not without its physical and mental challenges. Kshetri recounted the pain setting in around the 20-hour mark, emphasizing that the test of his limits required emotional strength to endure the intense physical strain. The toughest phase, according to him, was the second night, approximately 30 hours into the marathon, as it presented a continuous period without sleep. However, Kshetri credits the unwavering support from friends and family for providing the encouragement needed to push through his limits.
Reflecting on the challenging moments during the marathon, Kshetri shared, “Although I hadn’t thought of stopping, I kept telling myself, ‘Just one more hour.'” This mantra, coupled with his resilient spirit, propelled him to break the previous record and secure a lasting place in the Guinness World Records.
Sidhu Kshetri’s achievement not only showcases his personal dedication and perseverance but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and enthusiasts worldwide. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of physical and mental endurance stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
