Indian girl first to win gold medal at International Physics Olympiad

A Mumbai-based 18-year-old girl has become the first Indian girl to win a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad in Croatia, reported local TV channel NDTV Wednesday.

"It's an amazing feeling. It hasn't sunk in yet. People say girls aren't good at physics, I think I have made a point here," the channel quoted Akanksha Sarda, the International Physics Olympiad Gold Medalist as saying.

Nearly 376 participants from 82 countries participated in the competition which was held in Croatia this month. The Indian contingent came back with one gold, three silver medals and a bronze in the event which involved cracking some the toughest physics problems.

"We have been going for the Physics Olympiad for the past 13 years. Only two girls have gone since, and Akanksha is the first to win a gold," Vijay Singh, National Coordinator, Science Olympiads, told NDTV.

Akanksha has plans to go to MIT in the United States now.

"Noam Chomsky is not a scientist, but he practically invented modern linguistics. He is so multi-faceted. I hope to work with him when I go to MIT," she said.

Source: Xinhua