India’s five-member team excelled at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 in Colombia, clinching five gold medals. This achievement has placed India at the joint World No. 1 rank alongside China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan. Among 381 students from 87 countries, the Indian contingent shared the top spot, highlighting the country’s growing influence in science education and global academic contests.
The gold medal recipients include 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. India’s remarkable performance at the International Physics Olympiad underscores its consistent success in the competition over the last decade, with each Indian participant securing a podium finish.
This accomplishment is attributed to the Olympiad program managed by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) operating under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). As the country’s primary agency for international science Olympiads, HBCSE identifies and nurtures talented pre-university students through a rigorous selection process, orientation camps, and intensive training.
Department of Atomic Energy Secretary and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty commended the team’s performance, hailing it as a significant source of national pride. He emphasized that the five gold medals and joint World No. 1 ranking reflect the students’ exceptional abilities and commitment, as well as the continuous efforts of the HBCSE-TIFR Olympiad program. Mohanty also praised the students’ families, educators, and mentors, noting that their success will inspire more young individuals to pursue excellence in science and bolster India’s position in scientific education and innovation.
The Department of Atomic Energy also extended congratulations to the team leaders, Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar of HBCSE-TIFR and Dr. Leena Joshi of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, as well as the scientific observers, Prof. Ananda Dasgupta of IISER Kolkata and Nisha Kelkar of Gogate-Joglekar College, Ratnagiri. The Physics Olympiad mentor pool at HBCSE was also recognized for their efforts in preparing the students for the global competition.
