At a young age, Dev has already built a reputation for consistency. He is not loud, not flashy, but every time he steps onto the runway, he delivers. And that is what makes him special.
This season, he has already matched the national record of 5.40m, proving that his performances last year were no fluke. In fact, his journey over the past year shows clear progress 5.32m, 5.35m, and now 5.40m multiple times. It is a pattern of growth, not a one-off result.
A few weeks ago in Taiwan, he equalled the national record again. More importantly, he attempted 5.50m and came very close.
But Dev is not satisfied.
“In my opinion, the start of my 2026 season hasn’t been that good. I could have performed better,” he told Nnis Sports.“In Taiwan, the wind was very strong… otherwise, I could have easily cleared 5.50m.”
Even at his best, he feels there is more to give.
Now, all eyes shift to the Indoor Combined Events Meet in Bhubaneswar, where Dev will compete alongside Reegan Ganesh and Kuldeep Yadav. Reegan has cleared 5.30m and is in top form, while Kuldeep is also improving steadily. The competition will be tight and that’s exactly what Dev wants.
“My target for tomorrow is 5.45m or more… I’ll get a strong push as Kuldeep Kumar and Reegan Ganesh are both in very good form.”
The number 5.45m is not just another mark. It is the qualification standard for the Asian Games 2026, a height no Indian male pole vaulter has ever officially achieved for qualification.
What works in his favour is his calm approach. He understands conditions, adapts quickly, and learns from every competition. Even though he mostly trains outdoors, he arrived early in Bhubaneswar to adjust to indoor conditions a small detail that shows his preparation.