Indian Students Shine at 54th International Physics Olympiad with 5 Medals

Indian students excel at the 54th International Physics Olympiad in Isfahan, Iran, winning two gold and three silver medals. The competition saw 193 participants from 43 countries, with India's team placing fourth overall.

The Indian delegation has achieved notable success at the 54th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2024, held from July 21 to July 29 in Isfahan, Iran. All five Indian participants clinched medals, securing two gold and three silver medals. Rhythm Kedia from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and Ved Lahoti from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, bagged gold medals, while Akarsh Raj Sahay from Nagpur, Maharashtra, Bhavya Tiwari from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Jaiveer Singh from Kota, Rajasthan, won silver medals.

India achieved fourth place in the country-wise medals tally, tied with Vietnam. China topped the list, followed by Russia and Romania. The competition distributed 18 gold, 35 silver, and 53 bronze medals to 193 students from 43 countries. Notably, much of the Western world refrained from participating this year. India's delegation was led by Prof. Deepak Garg of DAV College, Chandigarh, and Dr. Shirish Pathare of HBCSE, TIFR, with Prof. A. C. Biyani and Prof. Vivek Bhide serving as scientific observers.

Theoretical competition presented three problems focusing on global warming, ion trapping using the "Paul trap," and accreting binary star systems. The experimental segment required contestants to investigate heat conduction in a copper rod and analyze diffraction from phase steps. India's performance at IPhO, marked by a significant share of medals over the years, underscores its commitment to science education excellence.

(With inputs from agencies.)