Yet behind the rise of Indian athletics lies a quieter reality: many athletes still struggle with something as basic as transporting their equipment.

That reality exploded into public attention after nnis Sports reported two incidents in which pole vaulters travelling with their poles were humiliated, fined, and, in the latest case, forced to jump off a moving train to save their equipment.

The Incident That Sparked National Attention

The turning point came during a train journey involving five athletes from Tamil Nadu returning from a national indoor athletics competition in Bhubaneswar.

One of the athletes was Kavin Raja, the 2026 Junior Federation Cup champion, who was travelling home after winning gold at the indoor nationals along with his training group.

The athletes were carrying eight pole vault poles, long fibreglass poles essential for their event. These poles can exceed five meters in length and often cost around ₹1.75 lakh each. Because Indian trains have no designated storage space for such equipment, athletes have traditionally resorted to improvised methods, including tying poles above the seats near the fans or securing them outside the window, something usually possible only in sleeper coaches. They boarded the train in Bhubaneswar, but due to overcrowding, they tied the poles outside the window.

At Rajahmundry railway station, railway personnel reportedly objected to the arrangement following a passenger complaint. The ropes securing the poles were allegedly cut. As the train began moving, the poles started falling toward the tracks.

In a desperate attempt to save their expensive equipment, Kavin jumped from the moving train. Others followed. Another athlete pulled the emergency chain to stop the train.

Instead of receiving assistance, some athletes were reportedly detained and questioned for almost 12 hours by railway officials. Their luggage continued on the train without them, leaving them stranded for hours.

This was the second such incident in less than six months. A similar episode reportedly occurred involving India’s current and former pole vault national record holders while they were returning from the All-India University Games in Mangalore. Along with their coach, they were allegedly stopped from boarding the train and humiliated.

Both stories, first reported by us, drew criticism toward the Sports Ministry and Indian Railways. These were not isolated incidents either. Many athletes have faced similar problems for years, particularly pole vaulters. Asian Indoor medallist Pavithra Venkatesh has reportedly faced the same situation not once, but twice.

Speaking to nnis Sports, one of India’s leading pole vault coaches, Milber Russell, who coached former women’s national record holder Rosy Meena Paulraj and is currently coaching Baranica Elangovan, who recently shattered the national record twice, said:

“Some TTEs and Railway Police personnel do not allow athletes and coaches to carry poles, while others permit them because they understand the requirements of sports equipment. Pole vault poles are essential equipment for athletes, and we ensure that they are safely kept inside the train, usually in the fan area, without causing any disturbance or inconvenience to passengers.”

He added:

“It would be very helpful if the Sports Ministry could coordinate with the Railways and issue clear rules or guidelines to all TTEs and RPF personnel, allowing sportspersons to carry sports equipment such as pole vault poles during travel. This will make travel much easier for athletes and coaches across the country.”

The Policy Vacuum

At the center of the controversy lies a major administrative gap. Indian Railways currently has no dedicated policy governing the transport of oversized sports equipment.

Existing railway luggage rules focus largely on ordinary passenger baggage. They provide little clarity regarding Long sporting equipment, Safety protocols, Storage standards, Equipment dimensions, Fee structures, and athlete exemptions.

As a result, decisions are often left to the discretion of railway staff on duty. One official may allow equipment, while another may fine or stop athletes entirely.

For athletes who frequently travel across states for competitions, this uncertainty creates both financial and emotional stress.

Why Pole Vault Equipment is So Difficult

Pole vault poles are not ordinary luggage.

Unlike suitcases or sports bags, these poles are extremely long, Lightweight but fragile, expensive, and highly specialized.

Athletes cannot simply rent or borrow replacements at every venue because performance depends heavily on familiarity with a specific pole.

Air travel is often too expensive for junior or state-level athletes, leaving trains as the only affordable option. But Indian trains currently lack any dedicated infrastructure for carrying such equipment safely.

The result is a dangerous compromise between practicality and regulation.

Railways and Sports Ministry Step In

Following growing public criticism, the Ministry of Sports reportedly intervened and initiated discussions with Indian Railways.

The Railways has now begun drafting a specialized sports equipment transportation policy in consultation with:

• The Sports Authority of India (SAI),
• Athletics Federation of India (AFI),
• Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB),

The proposed framework is expected to address not just pole vault poles, but other oversized equipment as well, including: Archery kits, Javelins, Rowing equipment, Racing bicycles, Shooting kits, Hockey goalkeeper gear, etc.

A recent railway circular also instructed ticket-checking staff to behave politely and adopt a “considerate approach” toward athletes carrying sports equipment, as reported by The Indian Express.

While temporary, the directive indicates that authorities now recognize the seriousness of the issue.

Multiple Asian medallists in decathlon, Tejaswin Shankar, who has travelled extensively with sports equipment, welcomed the move:

“This is a great step in the right direction. Only someone who has done it knows how hard it is to transport heavy and large sports equipment from one part of the country to another. What adds to the inconvenience is the lack of awareness and empathy shown by those who could have helped.

With this policy, I hope transportation of oversized equipment, poles, kayaks, and sails becomes a little easier, and more people become aware.

Thanks to nnis for raising this topic. I think I have seen two stories, including the incident involving Kuldeep and now Kavin. Such small initiatives go a long way.” 

Challenges Ahead

Drafting a policy, however, is easier than implementing one.

Indian Railways will still need to solve difficult operational questions:

• Where can oversized equipment be stored safely?
• How can passenger movement remain unaffected?
• Will special coaches or compartments be required?
• Should athletes pay additional fees?
• How can the misuse of such provisions be prevented?

Infrastructure upgrades may require significant investment and coordination between sports bodies and railway authorities.

A Turning Point for Indian Sports Infrastructure

The sports equipment controversy may ultimately become an important milestone in India’s sports governance.

For perhaps the first time, athlete transportation is being recognized as a legitimate policy issue rather than an individual problem. The proposed railway framework could lay the foundation for more athlete-centric public systems in the future.

If implemented effectively, the policy could: Reduce harassment, improve athlete safety, protect expensive equipment, encourage participation in niche sports and Professionalize sports travel in India.

More importantly, it could signal a shift in how India understands sports infrastructure itself, not just as stadiums and medals, but as the everyday systems that allow athletes to compete with dignity.

Because for many athletes, the journey to success begins long before they enter the arena. Sometimes, it begins on a train platform, carrying a long fibreglass pole that the system still struggles to accommodate.