Event: Pole vaultCWG Record: The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will mark Kuldeep Kumar’s maiden appearance.Personal best: 5.45mMajor Achievements: National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 silver medalist, Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition 2026 silver medalistKuldeep Kumar will make his Commonwealth Games debut when he competes in the men’s pole vault at Glasgow 2026. He heads into the Games after a season that has seen Indian pole vault reach new heights, with athletes pushing the national record several times in a matter of weeks.Kuldeep’s personal best stands at 5.45m. That mark came during the 2026 Federation Cup in May, where he was part of one of the most memorable competitions in Indian athletics. The event began with Dev Kumar Meena clearing 5.42m to break the national record, surpassing the previous mark held by Kuldeep.Kuldeep responded immediately by clearing 5.45m to reclaim the national record. Moments later, Dev Meena also cleared 5.45m, equalling the new national record. The competition produced three national-record performances in quick succession and highlighted the rapid progress of men’s pole vault in India.The national record changed hands again the following month when Dev Meena cleared 5.46m at the 2026 Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.Kuldeep has also collected domestic medals this season. He won silver at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 and another silver at the Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition 2026.Although this will be his first appearance at the Commonwealth Games, Kuldeep arrives with experience of competing in high-pressure domestic meets. His rivalry with Dev Meena has helped raise the standard of Indian pole vault, and Glasgow will provide another opportunity for him to compete against some of the best vaulters from across the Commonwealth.