Kuldeep Kumar has set a new national benchmark in men’s pole vault, clearing 5.41 metres at a domestic competition in Bhubaneswar. The 21-year-old athlete surpassed the previous record of 5.40 metres held by Dev Meena, signaling a new phase in India’s field events progress. The event, part of the 1st Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault competition, also saw Reegan G secure second place. Kumar’s achievement reflects the rising competitiveness and technical advancement within India’s athletics ecosystem.