National record falls: MP’s Dev hits Asian Games qualification mark

Bhopal: A month after being left to fend for himself following a national‑record performance in Ranchi, Madhya Pradesh’s pole vaulter Dev Meena again rewrote the record books on Wednesday, clearing 5.46 m to set a new Indian mark and meet the Asian Games qualification standard.Competing at the Inter‑State Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium, Odisha, Dev’s clearance improved on the 5.45m he had shared with Kuldeep Kumar at the Federation Cup in Ranchi barely four weeks earlier.The rise in heights in India’s men’s pole vault has been rapid: the national mark has been raised five times in less than two years, a sign of one of the discipline’s most sustained spurts of progress.The 5.46m vault not only cements Dev’s position as the country’s top vaulter but also significantly bolsters his case for selection to India’s Asian Games team for Aichi‑Nagoya.The Inter‑State Championships served as an important qualifying meet for athletes vying for continental selection, and selectors will welcome Dev’s clear display of form and composure under pressure.Dev’s achievement comes against a backdrop of persistent logistical shortcomings for athletes who compete with bulky equipment.

A video that went viral last month showed Dev and teammates attempting to load long poles into an e‑rickshaw outside the Ranchi venue after organisers failed to provide official transport to their hotel following the Federation Cup.The footage drew widespread criticism from the athletics community and reignited questions about the support systems available to competitors in equipment‑heavy events.Despite the episode in Ranchi, Dev continued his ascent, demonstrating resilience and focus.

Coaches and observers say his back‑to‑back record‑breaking performances reflect improved coaching, better training facilities and increased competition at domestic meets.As India’s pole vault standards continue to climb, attention will shift to whether sustained administrative improvements follow.

For now, Dev Meena’s 5.46m leap stands as a milestone for the discipline and a timely reminder of both the talent on display and the infrastructure gaps that still require urgent attention.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in BhopalStay updated with the latest Bhopal news.

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