New Delhi: Kuldeep Kumar delivered a standout performance by setting a new national record in men’s pole vault, clearing 5.41 metres in his very first attempt during an indoor competition in Bhubaneswar. The 21 year old athlete surpassed the previous national mark of 5.40 metres, establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising talents in the event.
Competing in his first indoor meet, Kuldeep faced initial challenges adapting to the fast track surface. Despite this, he steadily built momentum through the event. His successful clearance of 5.35 metres on the second attempt proved to be a turning point, boosting his confidence before he went on to achieve the record breaking jump.
The competition featured a strong field, including former record holder Dev Kumar Meena and Reegan G. While Meena entered as the favourite, he struggled to find his rhythm and secured the bronze medal with a best effort of 5.20 metres. Reegan G finished second with a clearance of 5.25 metres after failing to clear 5.35 metres in three attempts.
Kuldeep attempted to extend his record further by aiming for 5.46 metres but was unable to clear the height in three tries. Nevertheless, his performance marked a significant milestone and set a positive tone for the upcoming outdoor competitions scheduled later this month.
The achievement also highlights the growing competitiveness in Indian pole vaulting, with top athletes pushing each other to higher standards. Both Kuldeep and Meena train at the same facility in Madhya Pradesh, reflecting the strength of their training environment.
Elsewhere, the heptathlon competition also witnessed a close contest. Thowfeeq N led after Day One with 2943 points, closely followed by Jashbir Nayak with 2927 points. With more events remaining, the battle for top honours remains wide open as athletes prepare for the next phase of competition.
