Bhubaneswar: Bringing laurels to Odisha and the nation, Bhubaneswar’s Debadatta Priyadarshi won a gold medal at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, helping India script its best-ever performance at the prestigious global competition.
Debadatta was among four Indian students who clinched gold medals at the Olympiad, held from July 10 to 19. The other gold medallists are Harshit Singla from Punjab, Kabeer Chillar from Delhi and Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad.
With all four participants returning home with gold medals, India topped the country-wise medal tally jointly with China, Vietnam and the Individual Participants Group B (from Russia). The feat marks India’s first-ever all-gold haul in the history of the International Chemistry Olympiad.
The 58th edition of the Olympiad witnessed the participation of 363 students from 93 countries, making it the largest IChO ever held.
Congratulating the young achievers, Odisha Governor Dr Kambhampati Hari Babu said their success reflected India’s growing scientific prowess and the immense potential of its youth.
“Four young minds. Four gold medals. One proud nation. Heartiest congratulations to Debadatta Priyadarshi, Harshit Singla, Kabeer Chillar and Sandeep Kuchi on their spectacular success at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad. Their achievement is a shining reflection of India’s scientific talent and the limitless potential of our youth. Wishing them continued success,” the Governor posted on X.
