Iranian Team Shines at 25th Asian Physics Olympiad, Bringing Home Multiple Medals!

The recent achievements of Iranian students in international physics competitions highlight the country’s growing prominence in the field of science. In the 25th edition of the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) 2025, held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, these talented students showcased their skills, securing a silver medal and six bronze medals.

The APhO is a prestigious annual competition that brings together high school students from across Asia and the Oceanic regions to showcase their physics knowledge and problem-solving abilities. This year’s event took place from May 4 to 12 and attracted approximately 240 participants from 30 different countries, including notable competitors from Iran, South Korea, India, Japan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Singapore.

Each participating country sends a team consisting of eight students and two leaders to compete. The students are evaluated through two rigorous tests: a practical laboratory examination and a theoretical written exam. This year, Milad Mohammadi earned the coveted silver medal, while Arya Zarabi, Mohammad-Hassan Golabdar, Mohammad-Mehdi Keshavarzi, Mohammad-Mehdi Aqahosseini, Mohammad-Hassan Sadeqinejad, and Ilia Qashaei proudly brought home bronze medals.

The APhO originated from the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and began in 2000 in Indonesia with participation from ten countries. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, with 24 countries participating in 2024, reflecting its increasing popularity and importance as a platform for aspiring physicists.

This competition is particularly significant for students who demonstrate a passion for physics and possess strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills. Participants tackle complex challenges that are well-regarded within the scientific community. The event consists of:

• 5-hour theoretical examination
• 5-hour laboratory experiment (comprising one or two experiments)

In addition to the APhO achievements, Iranian students have excelled in other international competitions, reinforcing the country’s status in academic arenas. For instance, during the Turkic International Mathematics Olympiad (TIMO), held from April 17 to 22 in Antalya, Iranian participants secured two silver and two bronze medals, placing fourth overall. TIMO is an inclusive international event for students ranging from grades 3 to 12, featuring preliminary and global rounds.

Among the standout performers were Parnian Heydarian and Anusha Abdi, who both won silver medals and earned the world star awards. Additionally, Fatemeh Mazini and Ava Dejagah achieved bronze medals, demonstrating the depth of talent among Iranian students in mathematics as well.

Throughout 2024, Iranian students participated in several international Olympiads, culminating in an impressive tally of:

• 10 gold medals
• 10 silver medals
• 2 bronze medals

This remarkable performance placed Iran third globally, with the United States and China taking the first and second spots, respectively. South Korea and India shared the fourth position, as reported by ISNA.

Furthermore, Iranian students excelled at the 36th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), where they secured a gold medal, two silver medals, and a bronze medal, earning the ninth place among 96 participating countries. This event was hosted in Egypt in September 2024.

Another outstanding achievement came from the 17th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), where Iranian students won five gold medals, positioning the nation at the top of the rankings. This event, held in August 2024 in Vassouras, Brazil, featured over 250 students from 57 countries.

Moreover, at the 54th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), five Iranian students earned a gold medal and four silver medals, significantly improving the country’s ranking from 17th in 2023 to fourth place. This prestigious event took place in July 2024 in Isfahan, with 200 elite students from 47 countries participating over nine days.

Iran also achieved success at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Saudi Arabia in July 2024, where they won one gold medal and three silver medals. The IChO 2024 was themed ‘Building Connections Together’, emphasizing collaboration and unity among young scientists.

These accomplishments highlight the dedication and talent of Iranian students in the fields of physics, mathematics, and other sciences, positioning Iran as a formidable contender in international academic competitions.