India’s pole vault sensation, Dev Meena, continues to redefine the limits of Indian athletics.
At the World University Games 2025 in Germany, the 20-year-old cleared an impressive 5.40m in the qualification round smashing his own national record for the third time this season and securing his place in the final.
This milestone isn’t just about another centimetre on the bar; it’s the story of a young athlete transforming a niche, rarely celebrated discipline into a stage for Indian sporting ambition. Let’s explore why this record is special, the story behind Dev’s rise, and what it means for Indian athletics.
Breaking Records and Raising Expectations
The qualification round in Germany saw Dev Meena deliver a composed, strategic performance:
- He cleared 5.05m and 5.25m on his first attempts.
- He missed the first attempt at National Record , but then in second one he soared over 5.40m, setting a new national record and underlining his growing consistency on the international stage.
This wasn’t just another personal best; it was a statement: Dev Meena is making record-breaking a habit.
Earlier this year, he had raised the national record twice: first to 5.32m at the National Games in Dehradun in February, then to 5.35m at the National Federation Athletics Championships in Kochi in April. The new mark of 5.40m is further proof of his relentless progression. What makes it all the more remarkable is Dev’s age: at just 20, he has already rewritten India’s pole vault record books multiple times, and he holds the U-18, Junior, and Senior national records simultaneously an unprecedented achievement in Indian athletics.
From Village Tracks to International Finals
Born in Silphodkheda, a small village in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, Dev’s story is a triumph of determination, mentorship, and institutional support over systemic challenges. Inspired by his cousin, Jay Meena, who represented India in soft tennis at the Asian Games, Dev began by running on improvised tracks marked with chalk on dusty village roads.
At 13, he moved to Bhopal to train in the 400m sprint but quickly lost interest. As he was on the verge of quitting athletics altogether, coach Ghanshyam noticed Dev’s strong build and coordination and convinced him to try pole vaulting instead. It was a pivotal turning point.
Starting cautiously, Dev spent months refining his basics before even attempting his first vault at 3.60m. His coach kept him away from major competitions for nearly two years, focusing on technique and strength. The patience paid off: when Dev finally debuted at the U-18 Nationals, he took silver with a jump of 4.60m.
Since then, Dev’s rise has been steady and impressive:
- Gold at the Khelo India Youth Games 2022.
- National junior and senior records.
- Bronze medal at the Asian U20 Championships 2024 in Dubai India’s first pole vault medal at the continental juniors in 38 years.
And now, at the World University Games, he’s become the first Indian male pole vaulter to qualify for the final, setting a national record on the way.
Challenges Behind the Heights
Pole vaulting in India remains deeply niche, often described as the “most niche” track and field discipline:
- Fiberglass poles can cost over ₹2 lakh each.
- There’s a scarcity of specialised coaches nationwide.
- Even transporting the 20-foot poles is an “Olympic event in itself,” with train and airline staff frequently questioning or refusing the equipment.
Dev and coach Ghanshyam have faced these challenges head-on including incidents where they were forced off trains despite having valid tickets. Despite the odds, Dev’s record-breaking spree highlights the power of talent coupled with stubborn perseverance.
Institutional support has played a huge role too. The Madhya Pradesh Athletics Academy provided facilities and funding, while the state government actively backed Dev’s journey even bringing in Cuban coach Angel Esteban Garcia to refine his technique.
Together with coach Ghanshyam, this blend of local mentorship and global expertise has become a blueprint for nurturing niche sports talent in India.
Beyond Numbers: The Significance of Dev’s Record
For Indian athletics, Dev Meena’s latest record at the World University Games is more than a personal triumph:
- It marks the first time an Indian male pole vaulter has qualified for a final at this event.
- It confirms the steady narrowing of the performance gap between Indian athletes and their global peers.
- And it positions Dev not just as a national record holder, but as a genuine prospect for medals in major international competitions.
While there’s still a way to go Olympic medals often require vaults around 5.90m, and even qualifying marks for the World Championships hover near 5.82m Dev’s age, trajectory, and mental toughness make those heights seem like goals rather than distant dreams.
The Road Ahead: Eyes on the Final, and Beyond
Dev’s immediate focus is on the final of the World University Games on July 27. Beyond that, he’s clear-eyed about his ambitions:
- Clearing 5.50m and 5.60m soon.
- Bridging the gap towards the elusive 6.00m Asian record.
- Becoming the first Indian male pole vaulter to qualify for the World Championships.
His Cuban coach, Garcia, shares this optimism, setting progressive targets rather than unrealistic leaps. Dev himself draws inspiration from world record holder Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, whose mark of 6.28m sets the global standard.
The vision isn’t just personal. Dev’s rise from rural beginnings to national record holder serves as a powerful narrative for Indian sports: that even in the most niche, resource-heavy disciplines, global excellence is possible with the right mix of talent, support, and opportunity.
Inspiring a Generation
Perhaps Dev Meena’s greatest achievement so far is beyond the medal table: inspiring young athletes to look at pole vaulting as a career. Historically, India’s success in athletics has clustered around track events and a handful of field disciplines. Dev’s journey broadens that horizon, showing the path to young athletes from small towns and villages.
By consistently pushing the national record higher, he isn’t just rewriting the record books; he’s shifting what young Indian athletes believe is possible.
At just 20, Dev Meena has already done what few thought possible in Indian athletics: making pole vault a conversation starter. His new national record of 5.40m at the World University Games isn’t the end of a journey it’s proof that India can aspire higher, even in the most specialized events.
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With continued support from coaches, federations, and government, Dev’s leap could become part of a larger transformation turning India from a nation of cricket fans to a nation that cheers every new record in track and field, including those in the air.
As Dev Meena himself might say: The sky isn’t the limit it’s just the next target. 🇮🇳🔥
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Inspired by Articles on Sportstiger, Sportstar & IndianExpress
