Record-Breaking Pole Vaulters Face Harsh Reality in India

What the announcement means beyond the headline

Quick Summary: Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar set a joint national record in pole vaulting. Despite their success, they were seen transporting their equipment in an e-rickshaw.

Historic Achievement

Ranchi, May 25, 2026 - On Sunday, Madhya Pradesh teammates Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar made history in Indian athletics by clearing a joint national record height of 5.45m at the Federation Cup 2026. Their achievement not only secured them spots at the top of Indian sports but also qualified them for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

A Disheartening Reality

However, hours after their remarkable feat, a video surfaced on social media revealing a stark contrast to their success.

• Point 1: The announcement adds a concrete operating detail that changes how buyers should read the story.
• Point 2: The newly crowned record-holders were seen crammed into the back of a cramped e-rickshaw, manually hauling their five-meter-long fibreglass poles through the streets.

The useful takeaway is the operating constraint behind the announcement, not the announcement alone.

Ongoing Challenges

The logistics of their sport have proven to be a persistent challenge for Dev and Kuldeep. Earlier this year, they faced a frustrating situation when they were forced to debate a train at Panvel station by a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) while returning from the All India Inter-University Championships.

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