Bhubaneswar: In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Kuldeep Kumar emerged as the new national record-holder in men’s pole vault at the First Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition held at the Indoor Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The 21-year-old from Madhya Pradesh cleared a remarkable 5.41 metres, eclipsing the previous national benchmark of 5.40m set last year by Dev Kumar Meena.
Record-Breaking Vault and Medal Rush
Kumar’s record-setting clearance came on his first attempt, showcasing both precision and confidence. Although he aimed higher — attempting 5.46m — he couldn’t convert his tries at that height, the new record already etched his name into the national athletics annals.
Fellow competitors included:
Reegan G (Tamil Nadu) – Silver with 5.25m
Dev Kumar Meena (Madhya Pradesh) – Bronze with 5.20m
“It was a good day for me,” Kuldeep said after his record clearance, adding that his first indoor competition was a valuable experience. “It was a good experience today,” he noted, reflecting on adapting to the fast Mondo track at Kalinga Stadium.
Rising Tide in Indian Pole Vault
The competition was more than a record chase; it was a convergence of India’s best pole vaulting talents. Reegan G held the national indoor pole vault record earlier this year with a 5.30m vault, and Dev Kumar Meena had twice vaulted 5.40m, including equalling the mark at an international meet in Taiwan.
Both Reegan and Meena are key figures in India’s pole vaulting circuit, pushing each other and setting higher standards as they prepare for major international competitions like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games later in 2026
Beyond the Pole Vault
The Bhubaneswar meet was a showcase of depth in Indian athletics, hosting over 80 athletes across heptathlon and pentathlon disciplines. On the first day, veteran heptathlete N Thowfeeq (NCOE Trivandrum) led with 2943 points, closely pursued by Jashbir Nayak (Odisha) with 2927.
Key Results – Men’s Pole Vault
1st – Kuldeep Kumar (Madhya Pradesh): 5.41m (NR)
2nd – Reegan G (Tamil Nadu): 5.25m
3rd – Dev Kumar Meena (Madhya Pradesh): 5.20m
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