Kathmandu, Nov 9: Nepali students have won a gold medal in the junior category of the Fifth International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The team achieved an unprecedented result at the Fifth International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics – Junior (IOAA-JR 2026), held in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from November 1 to 8.
Competing against talented young students from around the world, Nepal won one gold medal, one bronze medal and an honorable mention in astronomy, Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) President Suresh Bhattarai told RSS.
Team member Shahwaz Alam won the historic gold medal, bringing Nepal into the international spotlight. The society said this is the first gold medal a Nepali student has won for the country at any international science Olympiad.
Team member Sahaj K.C. also earned a bronze medal, while Ivan Dubey received an honorable mention. Abhyuday Dhungana and Akhilesh Pokharel also represented Nepal, showcasing strong technical and academic skills. The students were selected through a scientific process and received special training at the National Astronomy Olympiad 2026’s closed camp, organized by the Nepal Astronomical Society, before travelling to Thailand.
Society members Manisha Dwa and Ocean Sharma Kattel led the team there. Building on Nepal’s bronze-medal wins at previous astronomy olympiads, this gold medal at the 2026 Junior International Astronomy Olympiad marks a historic milestone in the country’s educational and scientific journey.
The society said the achievement is further proof that Nepali students can compete at the highest international level.
