The competition featured 381 talented individuals from 87 countries. The Indian team distinguished itself with an impeccable record, showcasing outstanding knowledge and problem-solving abilities in one of the toughest science competitions for school students worldwide.
The five gold medal winners from India are Kanishk Jain from Pune, Riddhesh Anant Bendale from Indore, Rishit Garg from Dwarka, Shresth Suraiya from Mumbai, and Svarit Joshi from Ahmedabad.
For this competition, the students received training and support from Professor Anwesh Mazumdar of HBCSE-TIFR, Dr. Leena Joshi, and scientific advisors Professor Ananda Dasgupta from IISER Kolkata and Nisha Kelkar. Their mentorship and effort were crucial to the team’s success.
India’s Golden Sweep at the 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026 held at Bucaramanga, Colombia
????All five Indian students win Gold Medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026
????India secures the World No. 1 rank jointly with other countries, Outstanding… pic.twitter.com/9aDkqVM8tC
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 12, 2026
Doctor Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, praised the medalists, stating, “This remarkable accomplishment by our young physicists is a source of great pride for the nation. Winning five Gold Medals and sharing the World No. 1 rank at the International Physics Olympiad showcases the talent, dedication, and scientific spirit of our students, along with the enduring commitment of the HBCSE-TIFR Olympiad programme.”
“I extend my congratulations to the students, their parents, educators, and mentors for this extraordinary success. Their achievements inspire many young minds to excel in science and highlight India’s advancing leadership in scientific education and innovation.”
Prior to their journey to Colombia for the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, the students dedicated several months to rigorous preparation for the challenging competition.
Their training involved physics lessons, laboratory work, and frequent practice sessions under the supervision of seasoned experts.
