A New Star is Born: Dev Kumar Meena sets a new national youth record of 4.91m in the pole vault at Khelo India Youth Games 2022

Dev Kumar Meena Shocks the Nation with his Phenomenal Performance at Khelo India Youth Games 2022. The Khelo India Youth Games 2022 in Madhya Pradesh (KIYG2022 MP) has certainly been a treat for all sports enthusiasts. From the speedsters on the track to the gymnasts on the field, the games have been a showcase of some of the most incredible young talents in the country. One athlete in particular, however, has stolen the show and left a lasting impression – Dev Kumar Meena.

Dev Kumar Meena, a 17-year-old, hailing from the host state of Madhya Pradesh, made history when he took part in the Boys Pole Vault event. With a vault of 4.91m, he broke the national youth record and became the new pole vault champion of the Khelo India Youth Games 2022. His achievement was even more remarkable given that the previous record by Rakesh Gond stood at 4.90m.

Who is Dev Kumar Meena?

Dev Kumar Meena is a young and talented athlete who has been working tirelessly to hone his skills in pole vaulting. Born and raised in Dewas of Madhya Pradesh, he started his journey in sports at a young age and quickly found a love for pole vaulting. He has been training rigorously in pole vaulting for a year and has his sights set on breaking more records in the future. He has now become one of the most promising young athletes in the country. He is a true testament to the incredible talent and potential of India’s young athletes.

In an interview with the Free Press, Dev spoke about his love for pole vaulting, saying, “I come from a family of farmers, and while this is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous and complex sports, that is exactly what fascinates me”. When asked about the challenges of being an athlete, Dev mentioned the difficulty of maintaining a disciplined routine and not being able to use his phone, as his coach had taken it away to keep him focused on his goals.

Coach Ghanshyam echoed Dev’s sentiments, saying, “When you have bigger goals to achieve, letting go of the minor and major distractions is a must for an athlete”. Dev’s discipline paid off when he broke the national youth record with a vault of 4.91m, making him the pole vault champion of the Khelo India Youth Games 2022. Despite attempting to set a higher record three times, Dev remained focused and determined, saying, “My goal is not just to win a gold medal, but to set new records every time I perform. At this moment, my biggest competition is with myself”.

The Khelo India Youth Games 2022 Madhya Pradesh have been a true testament to the incredible talent and potential of the country’s young athletes. The games have produced many stars, but Dev Kumar Meena’s performance has left a lasting impact that will inspire the next generation of young athletes. His performance serves as a reminder of what is possible with hard work and dedication. We can’t wait to see what he will achieve in the future and what other amazing talents will come out of the Khelo India Youth Games!

Read more : Sports For All joins Khelo India as powered by the sponsor to empower India’s next sports icons