The Federation Cup 2026 in Ranchi witnessed a remarkable display of athleticism as pole vaulters Kuldeep Kumar and Dev Meena broke and shared the national record. Dev Meena first cleared 5.42m, surpassing Kuldeep Kumar's previous record of 5.41m. However, Kuldeep quickly reclaimed the record by vaulting 5.45m. In a historic moment for Indian athletics, both athletes ended up equaling the national record, with Meena winning gold on countback due to a higher second-best jump. Their coach, Ghanshyam Yadav, emphasized the positive impact of their training partnership, which has fostered a competitive yet supportive environment. Both athletes have now exceeded the Commonwealth Games qualification standard and matched the Asian Games standard of 5.45m, with aspirations to clear 5.50m or more at upcoming competitions. Their camaraderie and mutual respect were evident as they cheered each other on during their jumps, showcasing a unique blend of competition and friendship.