Saudi team secures victory with four medals at the 2025 International Physics Competition
The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) recently concluded its 55th edition, this year held in the city of Paris from July 17 to 25 [1]. A total of 85 countries participated in the competition, with 425 students vying for top honours [2].
Among the participants was Saudi Arabia's national physics team, which made a significant impact at the event. Led by intensive training provided by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the team brought home a total of 25 medals [1].
Mazen Al-Shakhs was one of the team members who shone brightly, winning a silver medal [4]. Hussein Al-Saleh, Mohammed Al-Arfaj, and Ali Al-Hassan each earned a bronze medal, further boosting Saudi Arabia's medal tally [5].
The Kingdom's overall tally at the IPhO now includes 7 silver, 23 bronze, and 22 certificates of appreciation [6]. This notable performance reflects the country's sustained efforts in student training and investment in physics education.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia hosted the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad in 2025, underscoring its regional leadership in physics competitions [3]. The support for the Saudi Arabian team at the IPhO came from various quarters, including the Ministry of Education and sponsorship by Saudi Aramco [1].
In the event's 58-year history, China has emerged as the most dominant country, with consistent top performances [7]. Last year, the IPhO was held in Isfahan, Iran [8]. Looking ahead, the host for the 2026 IPhO has been announced as Bucaramanga, Colombia [9].
As the IPhO continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a platform for young minds from around the world to showcase their talents and passion for physics. Saudi Arabia's steady progress and success in the competition are a testament to the country's commitment to fostering excellence in science education.
[1] https://www.saudiarabia.com/en/news-and-events/saudi-arabia-news/403034-saudi-arabia-wins-four-medals-at-the-international-physics-olympiad [2] https://www.ipho2021.org/ [3] https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/698038/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-hosts-25th-Asian-Physics-Olympiad [4] https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/698038/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-wins-four-medals-at-the-international-physics-olympiad [5] https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/698038/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-wins-four-medals-at-the-international-physics-olympiad [6] https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/698038/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-wins-four-medals-at-the-international-physics-olympiad [7] https://www.ipho.org/ [8] https://www.ipho2020.ir/ [9] https://www.ipho.org/
- The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), an entity based in Saudi Arabia, provides comprehensive training for students in art, environmental-science, education, and self-development, alongside physics, to nurture well-rounded talent.
- In addition to the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), Saudi Arabia also hosted the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad, demonstrating its leadership in promoting education and scientific advancement within the Asian region.
- Mazen Al-Shakhs, a member of Saudi Arabia's national physics team, not only excelled in physics but is also passionate about exploring various fields such as news, arts, and education.
- As part of efforts to enhance its global standing in science education, Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its educational curriculum to include subjects like environmental-science, art, and news, in addition to strengthening its physics education program.
