India’s four-member team won nine medals at the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad in Turin, Italy, according to The Times of India’s September 2 report. The tally comprised four gold, three silver and two bronze medals across the competition’s examination, field-investigation and project events.
The Olympiad concluded on August 27, 2026. Its format brings together classroom knowledge, practical investigation and collaboration between students from different countries.
Why four students can win nine medals
The total covers more than one kind of assessment. Alongside written and practical examinations, the event includes field investigation and project competitions, so the medal tally is not simply a count of participating students.
The University of Turin’s account of the event describes theoretical tests, practical field investigations and a project completed by teams of students from different countries. The 2026 project focused on Alpine glaciers.
That format combines two distinct experiences: demonstrating scientific knowledge and working with unfamiliar teammates to investigate a shared subject. The Alps provided the physical setting for field activities.
What the competition explores
Earth science covers the planet’s rocks, water, atmosphere and past. The university’s programme announcement lists disciplines including geology, oceanography, meteorology and environmental science, alongside laboratory work and investigations outdoors.
For a general reader, the important distinction is that the competition extends beyond recalling facts. Its programme also involves examining evidence and connecting different areas of science.
India’s team comprised Saumik Mandal, Aaron Maiti, Riddhi Ranjan and Md Ehtesham Rizwi. NDTV’s September 3 report says they attended a training and selection programme at the geology department of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda from May 20 to June 11, 2026.
Graphic: GeethanPost.
