Ubon Ratchathani:Kathmandu Nepali students have achieved a historic victory by winning a gold medal in the junior category of the Fifth International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the event, known as the Fifth International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics – Junior (IOAA-JR 2026), was held in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from November 1 to 8. The Nepali team competed against young talents from around the world, securing one gold medal, one bronze medal, and an honorable mention.
Team member Shahwaz Alam won the gold medal, marking a significant achievement for Nepal on the international stage. It is reported that this is the first time a Nepali student has won a gold medal at any international science Olympiad. Additionally, team member Sahaj K.C. earned a bronze medal, while Ivan Dubey received an honorable mention.
Other team members, Abhyuday Dhungana and Akhilesh Pokharel, also represented Nepal, demonstrating strong technical and academic prowess. The students were selected through a rigorous process and participated in special training at the National Astronomy Olympiad 2026’s closed camp, organized by the Nepal Astronomical Society, prior to their trip to Thailand.
The team was led by Society members Manisha Dwa and Ocean Sharma Kattel. This achievement builds on Nepal’s previous successes in astronomy olympiads, underscoring the potential of Nepali students to compete at the highest levels internationally.