5 Indian students have won gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. With this achievement, India secured the first position jointly with Russia, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Taiwan in one of the world's leading competitions for school students.
The Indian team delivered an outstanding performance, with all five participants winning gold medals. They competed against 381 students from 87 countries, making the result a significant achievement for the country.
The Indian gold medal winners are Kansisk Jain from Pune, Riddhesh Anant Bendale from Indore, Rishit Garg from Delhi, Shresth Suraiya from Mumbai, and Svait Joshi from Ahmedabad.
All five students secured gold medals, placing India among the top-performing nations at the Olympiad.
India's performance this year reflects the growing strength of its students in science and mathematics at the international level. Sharing the top rank with countries known for their strong science education systems highlights the quality of preparation and commitment shown by the Indian team.
The students were guided by Professor Anwesh Mazumdar of HBCSE-TIFR, Dr. Leena Joshi, and scientific observers Professor Ananda Dasgupta of IISER Kolkata and Ms. Nisha Kelkar. Their mentoring and support played an important role in the team's success.
The International Physics Olympiad is an annual competition that brings together some of the brightest high school students from around the world. Participants are tested through theoretical and experimental examinations that assess their understanding of physics, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The students underwent months of training before representing India at the Olympiad.
The preparation included advanced physics lessons, laboratory work, and regular practice sessions under the guidance of experts.
The achievement has been welcomed by the academic community and education experts, who said it demonstrates the potential of Indian students to compete with the best in the world.
The International Physics Olympiad provides young students with an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and build friendships across countries while promoting scientific learning and cooperation.
India has regularly performed well at international science Olympiads over the years, and this year's result adds another milestone to the country's record.
Winning five gold medals and finishing among the top-ranked countries is expected to inspire more students to participate in science competitions and strive for excellence at the global level.
The success of the Indian team at the 56th International Physics Olympiad marks another proud moment for the country and highlights the talent, dedication, and hard work of its young scientists.
Source: India Today