Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s five-member team after the country achieved a remarkable performance at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. All five Indian participants won gold medals, highlighting the growing strength of India’s young scientific talent on the global stage.
The winners, Kanishk Jain, Riddhesh Anant Bendale, Rishit Garg, Shresth Suraiya, and Svarit Joshi, secured top honors in one of the world’s most prestigious physics competitions for school students. Modi praised their achievement, describing it as a reflection of the immense potential of India’s youth and their dedication toward science and research.
The Prime Minister noted that Indian students have consistently delivered strong performances at international science Olympiads over the past decade. He said the latest accomplishment demonstrates the country’s progress in encouraging scientific curiosity and developing future researchers.
India’s complete gold medal performance received appreciation from educators and members of the scientific community, who credited the students’ commitment, intensive preparation, and the country’s expanding ecosystem for science education.
India shared the top position at the competition with five other countries, including Russia, Taiwan, North Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. According to the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Indian participants achieved exceptional results in both theoretical and practical examinations.
This marked India’s 27th participation in the International Physics Olympiad. Over the years, Indian competitors have maintained a strong record, with approximately 44% winning gold medals, 41% securing silver medals, and 10% receiving bronze medals.
During the last decade, every Indian student representing the country at the Olympiad has returned with a medal. Around 62% of participants won gold medals, while 38% earned silver medals during this period.
The Indian Olympiad program is managed by HBCSE, a division of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy. The organization oversees the complete selection process, including national-level examinations, training camps, and final team selection.
The 2026 team was guided by Professor Anwesh Mazumdar from HBCSE-TIFR and Dr. Leena Joshi from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Scientific observers included Professor Ananda Dasgupta from IISER Kolkata and Nisha Kelkar from Gogate-Joglekar College, Ratnagiri.
India’s latest success at IPhO 2026 further strengthens its reputation in global science competitions and reflects the country’s continued efforts to nurture excellence among young scientific minds.
