National pole vault record holders struggle to carry poles in e-rickshaw hours after Federation Cup history | WATCH

Indian pole vaulters Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar turned heads with their extraordinary showcase on day three of the 2026 Federation Games in Ranchi. The duo engaged in a thrilling battle, shattering each other's marks, and made history at the event.

Yet, the celebrations quickly gave way to a stark reminder of the challenges Indian athletes face when Dev and Kuldeep had to transport their equipment on an e-rickshaw after the event.

Dev and Kuldeep haul gear in e-rickshaw

A viral video on social media showed Dev and Kuldeep transporting their vaulting poles on an e-rickshaw, struggling to adjust the long fibreglass equipment in the cramped vehicle to prevent it from falling during transit. The video highlighted the systemic shortcomings athletes face despite having success, as record-breaking athletes were left to battle logistical hurdles off the field.

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The video echoed the broader logistical difficulties athletes endure, as carrying poles in public often draws resistance from travel authorities. For Dev and Kuldeep, it has been a recurring nightmare. Earlier in the year, the pole vaulters were forced off a train at Panvel railway station by the TTE due to their equipment, leaving them stranded for hours. Dev also shared a video questioning the authorities' treatment of athletes and their gear.

Indian pole vaulters make history

At the 2026 Federation Games, Dev cleared a 5.42m jump, going past Kuldeep's 5.41m record set earlier in May. Kuldeep responded with a 5.45m jump, but Dev fought back by equaling it minutes later, keeping the contest alive.

Dev and Kuldeep, who train together at the Madhya Pradesh Academy, also attempted the 5.50m jump but fell short. The Indian pole vaulting duo finished the competition as the new joint national record holders. Dev eventually secured the gold medal on countback.