Saudi students win first-ever gold at International Standards Olympiad

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia’s student team has secured the Kingdom’s first-ever gold medal at the 2025 International Standards Olympiad, alongside two silver medals, marking a milestone victory in the global competition in Siheung, South Korea.

The 20th edition of the Olympiad brought together 40 teams from across the world, where the Saudi delegation competed with four student teams from both middle and high school levels. 

Their preparation followed rigorous training and qualification programs organized through a partnership between the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the Ministry of Education, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

Upon their return to Riyadh on Sunday, the champions were welcomed with celebrations at King Khalid International Airport. 

Among those receiving the team were Mawhiba Secretary General Abdulaziz Al-Kraidis, officials from SASO and the Ministry of Education, and proud family members, all expressing deep pride in the students’ international success.

Al-Kraidis praised the students’ performance, calling the victory a landmark achievement for the Kingdom in global scientific forums. 

He emphasized that the result demonstrates the ability of Saudi youth to compete against some of the brightest international talents in standards, metrology, and quality fields.

The win builds on Saudi Arabia’s participation last year, when it secured a bronze medal and a certificate of appreciation in the Olympiad. 

This year’s breakthrough, however, with the Kingdom’s first-ever gold, highlights the growing global competitiveness of Saudi students and signals a new chapter in advancing national talent.