INDIA TOPS INTERNATIONAL PHYSICS OLYMPIAD 2026 WITH FIVE GOLD MEDALS

New Delhi, Jul 13, 2026 : India delivered a stellar performance at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 in Bucaramanga, Colombia, with all five members of its team winning gold medals and the country securing the joint World No. 1 rank alongside China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.

The achievement came in a competition that saw participation from 381 students representing 87 countries, underscoring India’s growing strength in science education and its sustained excellence in international academic competitions.

The five Indian students who won gold medals are Kanishk Jain from Pune, Maharashtra; Riddhesh Anant Bendale from Indore, Madhya Pradesh; Rishit Garg from Dwarka, New Delhi; Shresth Suraiya from Mumbai, Maharashtra; and Svarit Joshi from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The outstanding performance extends India’s impressive record at the International Physics Olympiad, with every Indian participant over the past decade securing a podium finish.

The success reflects the strength of the country’s National Olympiad Programme, conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). HBCSE serves as India’s nodal centre for the Olympiad programme and is responsible for identifying, mentoring and training talented pre-university students in science and mathematics through a rigorous multi-stage selection process, orientation camps and intensive coaching.

Congratulating the students, DAE Secretary and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty described the achievement as a matter of immense pride for the nation.

He said winning five gold medals and jointly attaining the World No. 1 rank at the International Physics Olympiad reflected the talent, dedication and scientific temperament of India’s students, as well as the sustained efforts of the HBCSE-TIFR Olympiad programme. He also congratulated the students’ parents, teachers and mentors, saying their success would inspire many more young minds to pursue excellence in science and strengthen India’s position in scientific education and innovation.

DAE also congratulated the Indian team leaders, Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar of HBCSE-TIFR and Dr. Leena Joshi of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, along with scientific observers Prof. Ananda Dasgupta of IISER Kolkata and Nisha Kelkar of Gogate-Joglekar College, Ratnagiri, as well as the Physics Olympiad mentor pool at HBCSE for preparing the team for the global competition.

HBCSE Director Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya said India’s consistent success in international science and mathematics Olympiads is the result of decades of sustained mentoring, institutional support and the dedication of teachers and students. He noted that the DAE’s continued support over the years has played a crucial role in enabling Indian teams to achieve global recognition.

The latest success at the International Physics Olympiad reinforces India’s growing reputation in science education and reflects DAE’s continued commitment to nurturing scientific talent and building a strong foundation for the country’s future leadership in science and technology.