Nepal wins first-ever gold medal at Junior International Astronomy Olympiad

Kathmandu, November 8 Nepal has won its first-ever gold medal at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics – Junior (IOAA-jr), with a student securing the top award at the competition held in Thailand. At the fifth edition of the competition, held in Ubon Ratchathani from November 1 to 8, Nepal won one gold medal, one bronze medal and one honourable mention. Shahwaz Alam won the gold medal, marking the first time a Nepali student has won gold in the history of the International Science Olympiads, according to the Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO).

Sahaj KC secured a bronze medal, while Evan Dubey received an honourable mention. Abhi Udaya Dhungana and Akhilesh Pokharel also represented Nepal in the competition. The students were selected through the National Astronomy Olympiad (NAO) 2026, organised by NASO, followed by a closed-camp training programme.

The team also attended an intensive pre-departure training camp before travelling to Thailand. The Nepali team was led by team leaders Manisha Dwa and Oshan Sharma Kattel.