Mangaluru music teacher sets world record for 700m backstroke while playing flute

Mangaluru music teacher sets world record for 700m backstroke while playing flute

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 30, 2025: A multi-talented music teacher, Ruben Jason Machado, has achieved a remarkable feat by entering the Golden Book of World Records. On Wednesday morning, at the swimming pool of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), he swam over 700 meters backward (backstroke) while continuously playing the flute, creating a unique world record.

The 29-year-old musician began his backstroke flute performance at 10 a.m., completing five laps and 75 meters to set the record. Recognizing this extraordinary achievement, the Golden Book of World Records (GBWR) presented him with an official certificate.

Ruben, who is also an official life saver certified by the National Institute of Water Safety (NIWS), is proficient in both Hindustani and Western flute. In addition, he is skilled in playing the saxophone, guitar, and several other instruments.

Musical Career:

Ruben Jason Machado has composed music for Bollywood, Sandalwood, and Coastal films and has performed at several prestigious events across India. Notably, he participated in the 2016 World Culture Festival, where over 150 musicians from different countries joined in a Guinness World Record performance.

He also served as a faculty member in the Journalism Department at St Aloysius College for about two years and has over 15 years of experience in flute performance.

Inspired by His Father:

Speaking about his record, Ruben said, “It was my father who suggested I attempt a record like this. Initially, I planned to swim just 150 meters, but I was able to continue beyond 700 meters while playing the flute.”

Present at the event were St Aloysius University Vice-Chancellor Dr Praveen Martis, Ruben’s wife Anusha, and family members.

“Ruben Machado has set a unique world record by swimming more than 700 meters while playing the flute. Playing the flute while swimming is extremely challenging, and he has executed it brilliantly,”
— Dr Manish Vishnavi, Head, Golden Book of World Records Asia