India’s youngest national record holder in athletics, Dev Meena, returns to the spotlight today as he competes at the prestigious Busan International Pole Vault Meeting, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger series.
After rewriting the Indian national record twice already this season, the 20-year-old is now eyeing even greater heights—and possibly a historic third record within a single year.
Currently holding the Indian national record at 5.35 metres, Meena has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Indian athletics in 2025. His progress this season has been nothing short of meteoric, and all eyes will be on him today at 4:30 PM IST, as he faces a stacked international field in Busan.
A Record-Setting Season
Dev Meena has been the breakout star of Indian track and field this year. In March, he shattered the long-standing national record with a 5.31m clearance, becoming the first Indian to cross the 5.30m mark in over a decade. Just weeks later, he upped it to 5.35m, cementing his place at the top of the Indian pole vault scene.
What sets Dev apart is not just the height he’s cleared, but the consistency with which he’s been performing. In national meets, he has regularly flirted with 5.30m-plus jumps, and his technical evolution has caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.
Facing World-Class Competition
Today’s meet will be Meena’s toughest international test so far. The field is headlined by some of the best vaulters in Asia and Europe, including:
- Jin Min-sub (South Korea) – The Korean national record holder with a personal best of 5.80m, Jin is an Asian Games medalist and seasoned international competitor.
- Masaki Ejima (Japan) – A World U20 bronze medallist with a PB of 5.71m, Ejima is considered one of Asia’s most promising young vaulters.
- Charlie Myers (Great Britain) – With a PB of 5.71m, Myers is a seasoned competitor on the European circuit and brings serious depth to the competition.
In addition to these names, several other athletes with PBs in the 5.60m+ range are also on the start list, setting the stage for a high-quality meet.
The Busan International Pole Vault Meeting is an outdoor event, and while the meet is known for being athlete-friendly, weather conditions often play a crucial role. Pole vault is a highly sensitive discipline—wind, humidity, and temperature can all impact performance.
If the weather remains calm and consistent, Meena has every chance of pushing his own limits again. Given his current form and confidence, a new personal best—and by extension, a national record—cannot be ruled out.
Baranica Elangovan Also in Action
It’s not just Dev flying the Indian flag in Busan. Earlier in the day, at 12:30 PM IST, Baranica Elangovan, one of India’s leading women pole vaulters, will also be in action. Baranica has been steadily improving and recently cleared 4.05m at domestic competitions. A strong performance in Busan could boost her chances of qualifying for future international events, including the Asian Championships and the next Commonwealth Games cycle.
A Rising Era for Indian Pole Vault
India’s presence at high-quality international pole vault meets has traditionally been sparse, but 2025 is showing signs of change. The emergence of Dev Meena has sparked renewed interest in the discipline, and the federation’s support—particularly in sending athletes to international exposure meets—is bearing fruit.
If Meena can continue this trajectory, he may soon be in contention for a spot at bigger meets like the Diamond League and, most crucially, the 2027 World Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
What to Watch For
- Height progression: Will Meena attempt a new national record? Look out for attempts at 5.40m and above.
- First-attempt clearances: Confidence and rhythm often come from clearing bars on the first attempt. Dev’s efficiency will be key.
- Weather updates: A tailwind or steady breeze can make a big difference. Watch how athletes adjust their run-ups.
Indian Athletics on the Rise
Dev Meena’s rapid rise is symbolic of a new generation of Indian track and field athletes—technically sound, mentally strong, and fearless in facing international competition. Whether or not he breaks his own record today, the fact that India now has a serious pole vault prospect competing regularly at the Continental Tour level is a win in itself.
He’s already made history by becoming the youngest Indian national record holder in pole vault. Today, in Busan, he has the chance to add another chapter to that growing legacy.
Stay tuned—India’s sky is no longer the limit.