Both Dev Meena (left) and Kuldeep Yadav touched the qualification mark for the Asian Games 2026. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In a dramatic clash at the Federation Federation Cup 2026 in Ranchi on Sunday, Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar broke the pole vault National Record twice and equalled it once.

Dev was the first one to push the envelope, when he leapt past Kuldeep’s existing record (5.41m) with a 5.42m leap.

Kuldeep then outdid him with a 5.45m jump, which was matched by Dev in a matter of minutes. With these jumps, both of them touched the qualification mark for the Asian Games 2026.

Both Kuldeep and Dev then attempted 5.50m, but failed to clear the bar and extend the record.

Published on May 24, 2026