Mumbai : India’s national team delivered a stellar performance at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025, held in Mumbai from August 15 to 21, clinching four gold medals and one silver in a field of 288 students from 63 countries.
Indian Medalists
Gold: Aarush Mishra (Bengaluru), Banibrata Majee (Delhi), Panini (Patna), Akshat Srivastava (Kolkata)
Silver: Sumant Gupta (Gurugram)
This year’s Olympiad, recognized globally as an elite platform for high-school students passionate about astronomy and astrophysics, showcased India’s continuing rise in science education. Each medal was awarded individually, based on participants’ performances across rigorous practical and theoretical evaluations.
The Iranian team set a new benchmark, with all five of its members securing gold medals—demonstrating formidable dominance in the event.
India’s Selection and Training
The Indian team was handpicked through a competitive orientation-cum-selection camp at IISER Mohali, organized after the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad. Out of 54 shortlisted students, 37 underwent intensive training in May and June, from which the final five were selected. The team was led by Professor Jasjeet Singh Bagla and Dr. Harvinder Kaur Jassal of IISER Mohali.
Closing Ceremony and International Highlights
The Olympiad concluded on August 21 with a grand ceremony, celebrating awardees with 145 medals (50 gold, 44 silver, 51 bronze) and 26 honourable mentions. Senior scientist and Homi Bhabha National Institute chancellor Anil Kakodkar applauded the Indian winners, emphasizing the country’s strategic investments in astronomy and space. He also inspired young scientists to maintain their curiosity and pursue excellence.
Other nations recorded historic achievements: Australia and Hong Kong, each with a silver medal, and Italy with three bronze medals. These results reflect astronomy’s growing global reach and the increasing caliber of youth in space science.
About IOAA
Founded in 2007, the IOAA is one of the foremost global events nurturing young talent in astronomy and astrophysics. The 2025 edition was hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Dignitaries including Anil Kakodkar, Department of Atomic Energy secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty, and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology director Dipankar Banerjee were in attendance, underscoring the event’s prestige and impact.
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