The 5-Hour Wait: Why India’s Pole Vault Stars Faced Train Harassment Over Gear

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India’s national record holder Dev Meena and gold medalist Kuldeep Yadav were forced off a train at Panvel station on 19 January 2026. A travel ticket examiner (TTE) stopped them owing to their 5-meter-long vaulting poles. These poles are worth Rs. 2 lakh each and are essential for their sport.

The athletes were left stranded for five hours while returning from a major championship. This incident has caused national outrage and shows the massive struggles Indian athletes face just months before the 2026 Asian Games.

A 5-Hour Stand-Off at Panvel Station


The trouble started on a train from Mangaluru to Bhopal. The TTE told the athletes their poles were unauthorized luggage. Dev Meena and Kuldeep Yadav tried to explain that these poles are fragile; they are custom-made and cannot be left behind. The official did not listen and forced them to get off the train.

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The athletes missed their next flight and spent hours arguing with railway staff. Kuldeep Yadav filmed the incident to show a glimpse of their struggle. He asked how they could inspire young athletes if they are treated this way. Eventually, they were allowed on another train, but only after paying a fine. They were also told they would be kicked off again if any passenger complained about the space.

Why Indian Railways Must Standardize Pole Vault Equipment Logistics


The biggest question after the Dev Meena incident is: Why is there no clear rule for carrying large sports gear on Indian trains? Most trains are built for bags, not 16-foot poles. This lack of a clear rule led to the harassment Meena and Kuldeep faced.

Indian Railways needs a new policy for protected athletic goods. This would fix several major problems: 

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  • Clear Costs: Athletes should pay a set fee instead of random fines. A fixed oversized gear fee would give them a legal right to travel.
  • Saving Space: Certain train cars should have spots reserved for sports equipment during national events.
  • Helping Athletes: If it is too hard to move equipment, poor athletes from rural areas will quit the sport.


India wants to host the Olympics, but doesn’t have the infrastructure to support its athletes. This incident with Dev Meena and Kuldeep Yadav highlights the lack of a framework that government bodies should have to accommodate their national players. In six months, these athletes will compete at the Asian Games; the stress from such inconveniences can build up and hurt their performance. 

The Indian government must address these issues and ensure that the railways and any other public transport are capable of honoring the athletes' requests instead of treating them like a nuisance.

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