The young number wizards secured an unprecedented fourth position in the 65th IMO and etched their names in the records of Indian mathematics history. Twitter
While the Men in Blue have been smashing sixes and breaking records, another Indian team has been quietly scoring big in the world of academics.
A six-member team India has shattered records and rewritten its mathematical destiny at the 65th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Bath, United Kingdom. The young number wizards not only secured an unprecedented fourth position but also etched their name in the records of Indian mathematics history. This is the nation's best performance since its debut in 1989, surpassing all previous records in terms of both rank and the number of gold medals won.
The Grand Stage: IMO 2024
The IMO, akin to the Olympics for mathematics, is where high school prodigies flex their mental muscles. Since its inception in 1959, this prestigious competition has grown from a modest gathering of 7 countries to a global phenomenon with over 100 participating nations spanning 5 continents.
The journey to the podium has been arduous for team India. Under the mentorship of Professor Krishnan Sivasubramanian, a former IMO medalist himself, and Rijul Saini (deputy leader) the team honed their skills to perfection. The result? With a score of 167 points, just one mark behind South Korea, India clinched the fourth spot globally out of 108 teams. Rushil Mathur from Maharashtra, Adhitya Mangudy Venkata Ganesh from Maharashtra, and Kanav Talwar from UP joined Ananda Bhaduri from Assam in the gold medal haul, while Delhi boy Arjun Gupta’s silver and hailing from Pune - Siddharth Choppara’s honorable mention added to the team's overall tally. This achievement surpasses India’s previous best of seventh place, achieved in 2001 and 1998, and sets a new benchmark for future competitions.
The Boy from Assam Who Conquered Numbers
Amidst this collective triumph stands Ananda Bhaduri, a young prodigy from Assam, whose journey from the heart of India to the global stage of mathematics is as inspiring as it is remarkable. The Telegraph's 18 Under 18 first edition awardee is not just a name, but a symbol of India's budding mathematical talent. His contribution to the team’s success is undeniable.
In the heart of Assam, where paddy fields stretch as far as the eye can see, a 18 year old boy is rewriting the state's narrative. Ananda's journey to securing the fourth position at the 65th International Mathematical Olympiad is a testament to raw talent, unwavering determination, and the power of dreams.
A Sophie Fellow with numerous national and international mathematics prizes and accolades, Ananda Bhaduri is not just a prodigious mathematician but a multifaceted individual. With a hobby in chess and formal music training, Ananda’s accomplishments extend beyond academics. During the pandemic, he not only prepared for the Indian National Mathematics Olympiad and the International Mathematics Olympiad but also excelled in the Sharygin Geometry Olympiads in Russia, earning distinctions. In 2019-2020, Ananda was among the top 30 students selected for the International Mathematical Olympiad training through the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad, organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). He was also a part of the IMO 2023 team representing India, and won a silver medal. And beyond the medals and accolades lies the story of a young boy who let numbers be his compass.
As India continues to script its success story on the global stage, these young mathematicians are leading the way, proving that the future of Indian intellect is indeed bright. The stage is set for more such triumphs, and the nation eagerly awaits the next chapter in this mathematical odyssey.