Dev Meena, a 19-year-old pole vaulter from Madhya Pradesh, set a new national record by jumping 5.35 meters. He achieved this at the National Federation Senior Athletics Championships held in Kochi. This is the second time this year that he has broken the national record. In February, he cleared 5.32 meters at the 38th National Games.
Challenging Weather Conditions During the Event
Although he wanted to aim higher, Dev stopped after advice from his coach due to light rain. The wet conditions made the pole slippery and unsafe. “It was not safe to continue,” said Dev. He is now focusing on upcoming events like the World University Games and hopes to qualify for the Asian Games next year.
A Quick Journey from Sprinter to Pole Vaulter
Dev only began pole vaulting three years ago. Before that, he was a sprinter. His coach, Ghanshyam Yadav, saw his potential and convinced him to try pole vaulting. Dev Meena comes from Kheda village in Dewas district and now trains in Bhopal.
Support from Madhya Pradesh Sports Department
Dev trains at the Tantya Tope Academy, supported by the Madhya Pradesh State Sports Department. They cover all his training costs, including food, equipment, and travel. There are about 10 pole vaulters in the academy.
Early Success and International Exposure
Dev has already won the National Games title twice. He also won a bronze medal at the Asian Junior Athletics Championships in Dubai by clearing 5.10 meters. In 2024, he represented India at the World U20 Championships in Lima. These international experiences have helped him grow as an athlete.
Coach Praises Dev Meena Discipline and Potential
Coach Ghanshyam believes Dev could have cleared 5.40 meters if not for the bad weather. “He is very focused and hardworking. He has a bright future,” he said. Ghanshyam is a former pole vaulter himself and has completed a World Athletics coaching course.
Training with an International Coach
Recently, the academy brought in Angel Eduardo Garcia Esteban from Cuba to coach the athletes. Dev says this has helped him a lot. “He has taught me new techniques, like adjusting my strides and bending the pole properly. The training is exciting and has boosted my confidence,” said Dev.
