India wins 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze at Junior International Astronomy Olympiad

Five Indian students won two gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the 2026 Junior International Astronomy Olympiad in Thailand. Every team member's podium finish underscored the value of NCSM's specialised training and the students' growing ambitions in astronomy and astrophysics.India wins 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze at Junior International Astronomy Olympiad (Image: X/@ncsmgoi)Indian students have secured five medals, including two gold, two silver and one bronze, at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr) 2026 in Thailand. The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) announced the achievement on Monday, highlighting the performance of the five-member Indian team at the international competition, which saw participation from 25 countries.The event was organised in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from November 1 to 8. A total of 104 students competed at the Olympiad, accompanied by 53 team leaders and observers.MEET INDIA'S FIVE MEDAL WINNERSIndia's five-member contingent delivered a strong performance, with Siddharth Laxmisha of Aditya Vidyashram Residential School, Puducherry, and Swara Srujal Patel of School of Excellence, Gujarat, claiming gold medals.Aarna Chaplot of Maa Bharti Senior Secondary School, Kota, and Krish Bhaskar of KS International Academy, Bagar, both in Rajasthan, won silver medals. Akshara Gulab Ambone of Lords Public School, Maharashtra, completed the tally with a bronze. Congratulating the young achievers, NCSM Director General K S Murali said their success reflected their hard work, scientific aptitude and perseverance, highlighting India's growing talent in astronomy and science.STUDENTS SHARE THEIR INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIAD EXPERIENCEThe Olympiad was not just a test of astronomical knowledge but also a chance for the young participants to learn from their international peers. Gold medallist Swara Srujal Patel said representing India at the global competition was an enriching experience. She also acknowledged NCSM's role in providing the training and guidance that helped her prepare for the event.Silver winner Krish Bhaskar shared his aspiration to become an astrophysicist, saying the medal had made him proud of representing the country. He also recalled interacting with fellow participants from different nations, describing the friendships and shared experiences as among the most memorable aspects of the competition.HOW NCSM PREPARED THE INDIAN CONTINGENTThe Indian team's participation was facilitated by NCSM, which operates under the Ministry of Culture and oversees the selection and training process through its Junior Astronomy Olympiad programme.Before the international competition, 25 shortlisted students underwent specialised training last month. The programme covered theoretical and observational astronomy, scientific problem-solving and night-sky observation.NCSM also runs Astronomy Education Centres at its science museums to encourage interest in space science among young learners. These centres organise planetarium shows, exhibitions, observation sessions and educational lectures.The five-medal finish highlights the importance of early exposure to scientific learning and structured training opportunities. With growing interest in astronomy among school students, such international platforms can help nurture future researchers and strengthen India's presence in the global scientific community.(With inputs from PTI)- Ends