In the heart of Pune's Kasba Peth, a quirky world record has put 76-year-old Sopan Bhumkar on the global map, proving that age is no barrier to setting extraordinary achievements.
While many might attempt to touch their noses with their tongues as a fun party trick, Bhumkar has taken this challenge to an entirely new level—holding the pose for a whopping 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 39 seconds, now officially recognized by the Guinness World Records.
Bhumkar's journey to this record began after reading about a young girl who managed to hold her tongue to her nose for 21 minutes. Inspired by this, Bhumkar, affectionately known as “Kaka,” decided to give it a try himself.
On his very first attempt, he surpassed 30 minutes, and with determination, he extended this time to 90 minutes, earning him a spot in the International Book of Records.
However, it wasn’t until his granddaughter Mihika delved deeper into record-breaking achievements that they discovered the Guinness World Record stood at 52 minutes.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Bhumkar aimed to beat that, and he succeeded. With the help and encouragement of Mihika, his son Harshal, and other family members, Bhumkar broke the Guinness record, establishing himself as the man who can hold his tongue to his nose longer than anyone else in the world.
A Comeback Story
What makes Bhumkar’s accomplishment even more remarkable is the adversity he faced along the way. Not long ago, he suffered from partial paralysis, a condition that would deter most people from pursuing physical challenges. However, this resilient 76-year-old refused to let it define him. His daily exercise routine played a key role in his recovery, and soon after, he set his sights on making history.
The Bhumkar family stood by him throughout his journey. His granddaughter Mihika, who took on the role of record researcher and coach, has been an invaluable part of the process.
“We knew that breaking the world record would take time and practice, but we also knew that if anyone could do it, it was him,” she proudly said.
For Bhumkar, the record is not just a personal triumph but a testament to perseverance. “I am grateful to my family, especially Mihika and Harshal, for their constant support. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he shared.
The Road Ahead
Now that Bhumkar has achieved the Guinness World Record, he has become somewhat of a local celebrity in Pune. He is already thinking about what he might do next, saying that setting new challenges keeps him feeling young and motivated.
In an era where unusual talents often get recognition through social media and TV shows, Bhumkar’s feat is a reminder that it's never too late to make your mark in the world—no matter how unconventional your skill may be.
