Pakistani students win medals at International Maths Olympiad

Pakistani students have secured silver and bronze medals at the 65th International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2024.

The event was held from July 11 to 22 in Bath, United Kingdom, according to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).

This achievement follows closely on the heels of another success, with two Pakistani students earning bronze medals at the International Biology Olympiad in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The Pakistani team participated in the STEM Career Program, a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).

The mathematics team was trained at COMSATS University, Lahore Campus, and mentored by Prof Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed and Dr Hani Shakir.

Under the PAEC, PIEAS University conducts the National Science Talent Competition annually in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology. Selected students from these competitions represent Pakistan at international Olympiads through the STEM Career Program.

The IMO 2024 saw participation from 108 countries, with a total of 609 students, including 528 males and 81 females.

The American, Chinese, and South Korean teams emerged as the top winners, with India ranking fourth with a total score of 167.

India's Aditya Mangodi achieved the best individual performance for his team, ranking fifth overall. The Indian team secured four gold medals and one silver.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, stating, "It's a matter of immense joy and pride that India has come 4th in its best-ever performance in the International Maths Olympiad. Our contingent has brought home 4 Golds and one Silver Medal."

"This feat will inspire several other youngsters and help make mathematics even more popular," he added.