Indian students win five medals at International Astronomy Olympiad in Thailand

Indian students have delivered an outstanding performance at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr) 2026, held in Thailand, winning a total of five medals. According to an NDTV report, young talents have brought glory to the country by securing two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal in this prestigious international competition.

The international competition was held in the city of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, between November 1 and November 8. Approximately 104 students from 25 countries around the world showcased their talent in this competition, while 53 team leaders and observers were also present at the event.

Looking at the detailed list of medal winners, the students who won gold medals include Siddharth Lakshmisha from Aditya Vidyashram Residential School, Puducherry, and Swara Srujal Patel from the School of Excellence, Gujarat. According to a PTI report, both these students achieved success for India by earning gold medals based on their capabilities.

The students who received silver medals include Arna Chaplot from Maa Bharati Senior Secondary School, Kota, and Krish Bhaskar from KS International Academy, Bagar, Rajasthan. Both these students have brought laurels to India by winning silver medals. Meanwhile, Akshara Gulab Ambaune from Lords Public School, Maharashtra, has won a bronze medal.

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) has congratulated all the students on this major achievement. NCSM Director General K.S. Murali praised the students' hard work, their dedication, and their deep interest in science.

Speaking about the experience, gold medal winner Swara Srujal Patel stated that participating in the international competition was a very significant and wonderful learning experience. She thanked the NCSM for helping her prepare for this competition through proper training and guidance.

On the other hand, silver medal winner Krish Bhaskar expressed his feelings, saying that he wants to become an astrophysicist in the future. He further added, "Winning a medal for India was a proud moment, and meeting students from different countries makes the experience even more special."

The NCSM played a crucial role in selecting and preparing the Indian team. This entire process was conducted through its Junior Astronomy Olympiad program. Before participating in the competition, the 25 selected students were given very special training. This training included topics such as astronomy, methods for solving scientific problems, and important aspects like observing the night sky. This achievement shows that if given the right support and opportunities, young students can excel even on international platforms.

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) operates under the Ministry of Culture. It conducts various programs to prepare Indian students in the field of science.