Al Ain, UAE – July 11, 2023 – Team India achieved a monumental feat at the 34th International Biology Olympiad held in Al Ain, UAE, from July 2 to July 11, 2023. For the first time in the history of the competition, all four students representing Team India clinched gold medals, showcasing their exceptional talent and knowledge in the field of biology. India and Singapore came out on top with four gold medals each, while China, Chinese Taipei and the future Olympic delegation came in second place with three gold medals.The Indian contingent in the Olympiad consisted of four students: Dhruv Advani from Bengaluru; Ishan Pednekar from Kota; Megh Chhabda from Jalna, Maharashtra; and Rohit Panda from Risali, Chattisgarh.
The participants underwent a total of six tests during the competition, which are the first and second theoretical tests that were implemented via a computer, where the questions centered on topics related to anatomy, Animal and Plant Physiology, Cell Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Behavior, and Biosystems. The other four exams included experiments on Biochemistry, Plant Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Ecology and Ethics.
The International Biology Olympiad witnessed the participation of 293 students from 76 countries, making it a highly competitive event. Team India's extraordinary achievement further solidified their position among the world's brightest young scientists.
The activities of the 34th edition of the International Biology Olympiad, which is the most important international competition in the field of biology, witnessed many intensive tests that challenged the knowledge and critical thinking skills of the students, in addition to a series of workshops that contributed to enhancing the spirit of friendship, cultural exchange, and intellectual growth among the participants., as well as, making long-lasting partnerships, broadening their scientific horizons, and igniting their curiosity to explore the wonders of biology.The closing ceremony concluded with the handover of the official IBO flag and trophy from the UAE to Kazakhstan, the host country of the event in 2024.
