India’s Dev Kumar Meena set a new national record of 5.50m in the men’s pole vault final at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya. However, his performance was not enough to secure a medal, as he finished seventh in a highly competitive field.
Dev produced one of the standout individual performances of the event. His clearance of 5.50m was the highest ever achieved by an Indian pole vaulter at an Asian Games.
Despite the national record, India’s pole vault campaign ended without a medal.
Dev Kumar Meena Sets National Record of 5.50m
Dev began his competition by passing 5.05m before clearing 5.20m on his second attempt.
He then cleared 5.35m on his first attempt, putting himself in a strong position to challenge higher heights.
The Indian successfully cleared 5.50m on his second attempt, setting a new national record.
The clearance improved his previous personal best and national record of 5.46m by four centimetres.
It was a significant milestone for the young vaulter and another sign of his progress in the event.
Dev Misses Out at 5.60m
After clearing 5.50m, Dev attempted to go higher.
However, he was unable to clear 5.60m after three attempts, bringing his competition to an end.
His final clearance of 5.50m secured seventh place in the men’s final.
Although the national record marked a major personal achievement, it did not translate into an Asian Games medal.
Kuldeep Kumar Also Misses the Podium
India had two athletes competing in the men’s pole vault final, with Kuldeep Kumar joining Dev in the competition.
Kuldeep could not secure a podium finish either, leaving India without a medal despite having two representatives in the final.
The result highlighted the high standard of competition in Nagoya. Dev’s 5.50m clearance was a significant performance, but the medal battle required even higher clearances.
National Record but No Asian Games Medal
For India, the headline from the men’s pole vault final was a national record without a medal.
Dev’s clearance of 5.50m showed that he continues to push the boundaries of Indian pole vaulting.
However, the result also highlighted the challenge of converting record-breaking performances into podium finishes at major championships.
India had two athletes in the final, and Dev established a new national record. Yet the medal remained out of reach.
Dev Kumar Meena leaves Nagoya with a national record of 5.50m and a seventh-place finish in the men’s pole vault final.