Algeria and Saudi Arabia secured honors at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Hanoi, Vietnam, as students from more than 60 countries competed across rigorous theoretical, practical, and observational tests.
The competition tested participants far beyond traditional paper exams, incorporating real astronomical data analysis, telescope handling, planetarium tests, and teamwork.
To support the demanding curriculum, organizers provided specialized equipment including observation facilities and a 16-meter planetarium dome. Iran dominated the medal count by sweeping all five of its student entries to gold medals, matching its performance from the previous year’s event in India. At the closing ceremony, the organizing committee distributed 51 gold medals, 48 silver medals, 60 bronze medals, and 22 certificates of recognition before Vietnam handed over the organizational banner to Turkey, which is set to host the 20th edition in 2027.
Algerian and Saudi Honors Highlight Arab Participation in Hanoi
Amidst heavy international competition, two Arab delegations earned recognition during the awards ceremonies. Algeria earned the top honor in the companion poster contest, claiming the award for the best poster among five teams recognized by the executive committee. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia secured a certificate of appreciation in the individual competitions, marking a second point of representation for the region among the honored nations.
Only three Arab nations—Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine—fielded delegations for the Vietnam Olympiad.
Multi-Year Training Pipeline Powers the Saudi National Selection
The five-member Saudi squad representing the kingdom in Hanoi underwent a multi-year screening and development pipeline before stepping onto the international stage. The national team features Fatima Nazih Damlakhani and Eileen Hani Azhari from Jeddah education directorates, Hisham Ayman Rafiq from the Eastern Province, and Omar Khalid Al-Shahri alongside Maram Abdulaziz Al-Barak from the Riyadh region.
Their preparation begins through the National Talent Olympiad “Nasmo”, followed by specialized physics tracks within international Olympiad programs. Selected candidates then spend two to three years participating in intensive training camps and filtration exams designed to sharpen their abilities in celestial observation, data processing, and simulation software.
Building a Legacy in International Astronomy Competitions
Across its prior two outings, the kingdom’s delegations harvested six international awards, consisting of one silver medal, three bronze medals, and two certificates of appreciation.
The competition itself traces its origins to 2006, with its inaugural tournament held in Thailand in 2007. Designed specifically for secondary school students under the age of 20, the annual contest continues to expand its reach, offering young researchers a platform to test advanced theoretical concepts against practical night-sky observation.
