Mumbai: In a landmark achievement for Indian academia, a Mumbai-based student has brought home the country’s first-ever gold medal at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2026, marking a turning point in India’s presence at global mathematics competitions.
Shreya Shantanu Mundhada became the first Indian to win a gold medal at EGMO, creating history on the international stage.
The prestigious Olympiad, held in Bordeaux, France, witnessed participation from around 260 students representing 67 countries, including many of the world’s top young mathematical minds.
India also recorded its best-ever overall performance at the event. The four-member team secured one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, finishing sixth globally — its highest ranking since it began participating as a guest nation in 2015.
Sanjana Philo Chacko from Kerala won the silver medal, while Shivani Bharath Kumar from Tamil Nadu secured bronze, contributing to the team’s historic medal tally.
This was only the second time India fielded an all-girls team at the competition, highlighting the growing participation and success of young women in mathematics.
Officials attributed the achievement to years of structured training and mentorship under programmes conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, supported by the National Board for Higher Mathematics.
The European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, launched to promote female participation in mathematics, is considered one of the most challenging contests for school students worldwide. India’s breakthrough this year signals a rising trajectory and a stronger footprint in international Olympiads.
