India has once again demonstrated its scientific brilliance on the world stage. In a remarkable achievement, the country won five gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, securing a joint World No. 1 ranking alongside Russia, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Competing against 381 of the world's brightest school students from 87 countries, the Indian contingent delivered a flawless performance, with every participant returning home wearing gold. 

Five Students, Five Golds, One Historic Achievement

The stars behind India's spectacular success are:

1. Kanishk Jain from Pune
2. Riddhesh Anant Bendale from Indore
3. Rishit Garg from Delhi
4. Shresth Suraiya from Mumbai
5. Svarit Joshi from Ahmedabad

Each of these talented students excelled in one of the toughest academic competitions in the world, proving their mastery of advanced physics through demanding theoretical and experimental examinations.

Their outstanding performance placed India among the elite nations that dominated this year's Olympiad, reaffirming the country's reputation for nurturing exceptional young scientific talent.

Months of Preparation Behind Every Medal

Victories at the International Physics Olympiad are built long before the competition begins. The Indian team underwent months of intensive preparation that included advanced physics training, laboratory experiments, problem-solving sessions, and rigorous mock examinations.

The students were mentored by Professor Anwesh Mazumdar of HBCSE-TIFR and Dr. Leena Joshi, while Professor Ananda Dasgupta of IISER Kolkata and Nisha Kelkar served as scientific observers. Their expertise and guidance played a crucial role in preparing the students for the global challenge.

The HBCSE-TIFR Formula for Success

The achievement also highlights the effectiveness of the Olympiad programme run 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).

As India's nodal agency for international science Olympiads, HBCSE identifies talented students through a rigorous multi-stage selection process before putting them through intensive orientation camps and specialised training. This systematic approach has consistently helped Indian students shine in international competitions across science disciplines.

A Proud Moment for Indian Science

Congratulating the team, Department of Atomic Energy Secretary and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty described the achievement as a matter of immense national pride. He credited the students' talent, the dedication of their mentors, and the sustained efforts of the HBCSE-TIFR Olympiad programme for the remarkable result.

He also applauded the students' parents, teachers, and mentors, noting that this historic success would inspire countless young minds to pursue science while strengthening India's position as a global leader in scientific education and innovation.

As the nation celebrates another landmark achievement, these five young physicists have not only made history, they have also ignited fresh inspiration for the next generation of Indian scientists.