Dev Meena and Anushka Yadav Punch Asian Games 2026 Tickets on Opening Day

Dev Meena, Anushka Yadav Break National Records, Qualify For Asian Games 2026

Pole vaulter Dev Meena and hammer thrower Anushka Yadav delivered record-breaking performances to headline the opening day of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, securing qualification for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.

While Meena improved his own national record in the men’s pole vault, it was 18-year-old Anushka who emerged as the star attraction after shattering the women’s hammer throw national record twice in a sensational display.

Meena Extends National Record

Fresh from his record-breaking performance at the Federation Cup in Ranchi last month, Meena continued his impressive rise by clearing 5.46m to set a new national mark.

The youngster improved his previous record by one centimetre and comfortably crossed the Athletics Federation of India’s Asian Games qualification standard. The effort further strengthened his position as India’s top pole vaulter ahead of the 2026 season.

Anushka Rewrites Record Books

Anushka produced the performance of her career in the women’s hammer throw, becoming the first athlete of the meet to break a national record.

The teenager from Uttar Pradesh bettered Sarita Singh’s long-standing national record of 65.25m with a throw of 65.64m in the second round before going even farther with a massive 67.02m effort on her final attempt.

Her record-breaking throw also surpassed the Asian Games qualification mark of 61.72m, ensuring her place in the Indian contingent for Nagoya.

The achievement marked a remarkable turnaround for the young athlete, who had suffered a ligament fracture earlier this year while helping repair machinery on her family’s farmland. Despite the setback, she returned strongly to produce one of the biggest performances of the championships.

Anushka, who trains under the guidance of her father and former hammer thrower Sushil Yadav, said she now hopes to breach the 70m barrier and challenge for the Asian Games gold medal.

Yarraji Returns With Gold

National record holder Jyothi Yarraji enjoyed a successful comeback after spending nearly a year away from competition due to an ACL injury. The Asian Games silver medallist clocked 13.14 seconds in the heats before improving to 12.99 seconds in the final to win the women’s 100m hurdles title and secure the qualification standard for Nagoya.

Competing exactly a year after sustaining the injury that sidelined her, Yarraji showed little sign of rust as she dominated the field. Nandhini K also achieved the qualification mark in the same event after finishing in 13.24 seconds.

Elsewhere, Asha Ilango booked her place at the Asian Games with a jump of 13.89m in the women’s triple jump.

Gulveer Opens Campaign With Gold

National record holder Gulveer Singh lived up to expectations in the men’s 5000m final, claiming gold in 13:52.92. Abhishek Pal secured silver with a time of 13:54.18, while Harmanjot Singh completed the podium in 13:54.60.

The opening day also featured the men’s 800m heats, where several leading contenders safely advanced to the next round as athletes continued their push for national team selection. With two national records, multiple Asian Games qualification marks and strong performances across disciplines, the National Inter-State Championships began on a high note and set the stage for more action in the coming days.