Record-Breaking Pole Vaulters Face Harsh Reality in India
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. This incident highlights ongoing issues with athlete welfare in India.
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.
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.
This sight sparked outrage online, with fans highlighting the systemic failure in athlete welfare.
Pole vaulting requires specialized and fragile equipment, yet these athletes were left to manage their transportation independently.
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.
Officials claimed they could not carry their poles on board, leaving the champions stranded at the station for nearly five hours.
An emotional Dev Meena later released a video plea questioning the treatment of athletes in India.
This incident further underscores the need for better support and facilities for the nation's athletes.
