In a deeply embarrassing episode for Indian sport, two of the country’s top pole vaulters were forced to deboard a train at Panvel railway station after being denied permission to carry their specialised sporting equipment. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and raised serious questions about the treatment of elite athletes in India.
National record holder Dev Meena and gold medallist Kuldeep Yadav were returning to Bhopal after competing in the All India Inter-University Athletics Championships in Bengaluru. Their journey was abruptly disrupted when a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) objected to their pole vault poles, terming them “unauthorised luggage.” Each pole, nearly five metres long and custom-made for the athlete, costs around ₹2 lakh and is essential for competition.
Despite repeated requests for clarification, appeals to speak with senior railway officials, and even offers to pay an immediate fine, the athletes were ordered to get down at Panvel. They were stranded at the station for nearly four to five hours, eventually missing their connecting train.
Expressing his anguish in a video shared on social media, Dev Meena questioned the system’s support for athletes. “If this is happening to us, what will happen to juniors?” he asked. Meena, who holds a national record of 5.40 metres, said such treatment is demoralising, especially for international-level athletes.
Kuldeep Yadav echoed similar concerns, stating that pole vaulters routinely face logistical issues not just on trains, but also during air travel. “We are ready to pay extra if needed, but our equipment must be carried properly. Without it, we cannot compete,” he said.
After prolonged negotiations and payment of a fine, the duo were finally allowed to board another train, albeit with a warning that further complaints could lead to action.
As India dreams of hosting the 2036 Olympics, the Panvel incident starkly highlights the gap between ambition and ground reality. For athletes striving to bring glory to the nation, the struggle clearly extends far beyond the field.
