Using a borrowed pole from a fellow competitor, 25-year-old G Sindhushree from Karnataka’s Shivamogga created history by clearing 4.25 metres in the women’s pole vault at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.
The leap broke the long-standing national record of 4.23 metres and comfortably crossed the Athletics Federation of India’s qualification mark for the 2026 Asian Games. The achievement also fulfilled a promise she had made to her late father, who had always dreamed of seeing her represent India on the international stage.
Despite years of financial hardship and limited access to specialised equipment, Sindhushree’s perseverance culminated in the biggest milestone of her career, earning praise from her coach and the athletics community.
A Historic Leap Against All Odds
Sindhushree entered the competition with a personal best of 4.05 metres, making her 20-centimetre improvement one of the most significant jumps by an Indian pole vaulter in recent years. With no access to a high-specification pole of her own, she relied on equipment borrowed from another athlete competing at the championship.
She successfully cleared 4.10 metres to seal qualification for the 2026 Asian Games before surpassing the national record with a flawless jump at 4.25 metres. The previous record of 4.23 metres had stood for several years, making Sindhushree the new national record holder and one of India’s strongest medal hopes in the event.
An Emotional Tribute to Her Late Father
The victory carried deep emotional significance for the athlete. Speaking after her record-breaking performance, Sindhushree said her late father had always believed she would one day compete for India.
He passed away three years ago after suffering a heart attack, leaving behind a dream that continued to motivate her through difficult years. Holding back tears after the event, she said she wished he had been present to witness the moment she finally earned qualification for the Asian Games. Her achievement, she added, was dedicated to his unwavering faith in her abilities.
Years of Financial Struggles Shaped the Journey
Pole vault is among the most equipment-intensive disciplines in athletics, requiring customised poles that can cost several lakhs of rupees depending on an athlete’s weight, speed and skill level. Coming from a modest family in Shivamogga, Sindhushree often had to make do with whatever equipment was available during training and competitions.
Her mother worked as a tailor to support the family after her father’s death, while her grandparents played a crucial role in helping her continue pursuing the sport. Limited resources meant she frequently trained with poles that were shorter or less suited to her technique, making steady progress far more difficult than for athletes with better facilities.
Coach Credits Patience, Determination
Sindhushree’s coach, Vijeesh MM, described the national record as the result of years of persistence rather than overnight success. He explained that financial constraints had prevented the athlete from accessing equipment suited to her growing abilities, forcing her to repeatedly adjust her run-up and take-off. According to him, Sindhushree remained patient even when her performances plateaued for several seasons. Since joining the Sports Authority of India training centre in Bengaluru in 2021, she gradually refined her technique, improving from clearing 3.30 metres to rewriting the national record. Her coach said the breakthrough demonstrated what talented athletes can achieve when determination outweighs limitations.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Pole Vault
Sindhushree’s performance comes at a time when Indian athletics has been witnessing growing success across field events. While disciplines such as javelin throw and long jump have gained greater public attention, pole vault has traditionally received relatively limited investment and visibility.
Her record-breaking jump not only raises the benchmark for Indian women’s pole vault but also signals the emergence of stronger competition in the event ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Her qualification strengthens India’s prospects while inspiring younger athletes to take up a discipline that has long remained on the fringes of Indian athletics.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Asian Games
With qualification now secured, Sindhushree will shift her focus towards improving her consistency and competing against Asia’s best pole vaulters. She has expressed hope that her national record will help secure better equipment, financial support and exposure to international competitions in the lead-up to the Games.
Coaches believe that with access to the right resources and regular international competition, she has the potential to push the national record even further while narrowing the gap with Asia’s leading athletes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sindhushree’s remarkable achievement is a celebration of talent, resilience and unwavering determination. Yet, it also highlights an uncomfortable reality—that many gifted Indian athletes continue to chase global dreams without access to basic sporting infrastructure and equipment.
While record-breaking performances deserve applause, they should also prompt conversations about creating systems where athletes are supported before success arrives, not only after making headlines.
Investing in grassroots sports, ensuring equitable access to specialised training and reducing financial barriers can help many more athletes fulfil their potential. How can India build a sporting ecosystem where no athlete has to rely on borrowed equipment to make history?
