India’s Dev Kumar Meena set a new national record in the men’s pole vault at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on Tuesday. He cleared 5.50 metres in the final, improving his own previous Indian record of 5.46m. Key HighlightsDev Kumar Meena cleared 5.50m in the Asian Games final.The clearance improved his own national record.His earlier record was 5.46m.Meena later failed to clear 5.60m in three attempts.How did Dev Meena break the record?Meena reached the 5.50m height after clearing earlier heights in the competition. His first attempt at 5.50m was not successful.He then came back strongly on his second attempt. He cleared the bar cleanly and set a new Indian national record.The 5.50m mark was a major improvement for the young Indian athlete. His previous national record was 5.46m, which he had set at the 2026 Indian Championships in Bhubaneswar in June. World Athletics lists his 5.46m performance as the winning mark in that competition. What happened after the national record?After clearing 5.50m, Meena moved to the next height of 5.60m.He tried three times to clear the bar but could not make it over. His competition therefore ended at 5.50m. He finished the event without a medal, but his new national record became the main highlight of his performance.India also had Kuldeep Kumar in the men's pole vault final. Kuldeep cleared 5.35m but could not clear 5.50m.Why is the 5.50m mark important?The new record shows Meena's progress in pole vault. His national record had moved upward during the 2026 season. The Athletics Federation of India had earlier recorded Meena and Kuldeep at 5.45m in a 2026 competition. Meena then improved his mark to 5.46m in June. His latest 5.50m clearance in Nagoya has now pushed the Indian record higher. The Asian Games final also gave Meena experience against a strong international field. The event featured athletes competing at heights above 5.80m, making the competition demanding for the Indian athletes. What does the record mean for Indian athletics?Meena's 5.50m clearance adds another national record to his growing career. It also gives Indian pole vault a new benchmark.His Asian Games campaign ended after the three failed attempts at 5.60m. However, he leaves Nagoya with a new Indian national record.The Asian Games men's pole vault final was scheduled as a medal event in Nagoya on September 29, with Meena and Kuldeep representing India. Also Read : Baranica Opens Up About ‘No One Will Marry’ Remark After Asiad Bronze
