Published on: 2026-11-01
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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The Russian team became the best and won gold at the International Youth Geography Olympiad
October 31, 2026
The Russian team became the best and won the gold at the International Youth Geography Olympiad
October 31, 2026
The Russian team became the best and won gold at the International Youth Geography Olympiad
The International Youth Geography Olympiad (MY-GEO 2026) concluded in the federal territory of “Sirius.” The Russian team was recognized as the winner in both the team and individual competitions.
The Olympiad is organized by the Educational Foundation “Talent and Success” and the Russian Geographical Society with the support of the Ministry of Education of Russia.
The winners of the intellectual competition were congratulated by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov, and Chair of the Council of the federal territory “Sirius,” head of the Educational Foundation “Talent and Success” Elena Shmeleva.
“The Russian team has conquered another peak – the International Youth Geography Olympiad held at ‘Sirius.’ A team victory and gold medals for each participant – a brilliant result! The young people studied the terrain around the Olympic facilities and proposed real solutions for developing this area. In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, it is especially important to expand knowledge about our vast country. I thank the teachers and parents for their contribution to the development of the young people. And to the winners, I wish not to stray from the chosen path and to open new horizons!” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Russian national team included the winners and prize-winners of the All-Russian School Olympiad:
— Sergey Dudin (School of the Center for Pedagogical Excellence, Moscow);
— Yulia Zaitseva (School No. 1590 named after Hero of the Soviet Union V.V. Kolesnik, Moscow);
— Mikhail Perunov (Letovo School, Moscow);
— Timofey Popov (Odintsovo “Tenth Lyceum”, Moscow region);
— Denis Smirnov (Regional Gymnasium named after E.M. Primakov, Moscow Region);
— Bekbolat Tuligenov (University Gymnasium (boarding school) of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow).
In addition, based on the results of the competition, Sergey Dudin was recognized as the absolute winner.
The leaders of the Russian national team were Associate Professor Dmitry Bogachev of the Faculty of Geography at Lomonosov Moscow State University and Ilya Kon, a student of the Faculty of Geography at Lomonosov Moscow State University. The observer was Igor Lev, director of Gymnasium No. 446 in the Kolpinsky District of Saint Petersburg.
“The Olympiad has united representatives of the BRICS countries and other friendly states, young people for whom geography is not just a school subject, but a way to understand our common home, to learn to see the connections between nature, economy, culture, and humans. By participating in the competition, you learn more about the world around us, make new friends and like-minded people, and understand that the future of the planet depends on knowledge, responsibility, and cooperation. Dear participants, we are glad to welcome you to Russia and always look forward to new Olympiads, conferences, and other events. I wholeheartedly congratulate the winners! I thank all the participants, mentors, organizers, and guests for their hard work, energy, and love for science. May this experience become a stepping stone to new discoveries for you. I wish you luck, inspiration, and brilliant victories!” – commented Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.
Chairman of the Council of the Federal Territory “Sirius,” head of the Educational Foundation “Talent and Success,” Elena Shmeleva noted that through joint efforts, an institution was established that will continue to develop when the students go to study and work on the tasks formulated in “Sirius.”
According to her, complex and very important work was done with a large emphasis on the future, resulting in a vibrant environment of participation, respect for work, for the teacher, and collaborative creativity, where everyone’s word matters. She also expressed hope that many participants of the olympiad would return to “Sirius” again—to study, conduct research, and teach. “Sirius is always waiting for you,” said Elena Shmeleva.
The Olympiad is organized by the educational foundation “Talent and Success” and the Russian Geographical Society with the support of the Ministry of Education.
The International Youth Geography Olympiad was held for the first time at the federal territory “Sirius” from October 24 to 31. It was conducted in accordance with the directive of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, given following the results of the XVII Congress of the Russian Geographical Society (October 2025).
Eleven national teams from Russia, India, Pakistan, Serbia, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Italy, and other countries participated in the Olympiad.
Participants went through three main rounds: theoretical, practical, and multimedia. Individually and in teams, they completed tasks on environmental, physical, and social geography, worked with satellite images, maps, and statistical data, and also solved sector-specific problems from partners.
As part of the Olympiad, there was also a project festival where teams presented their research and solutions to current geographical problems. For team leaders, a round table was held where they discussed pressing methodological issues in teaching geography in schools.
In addition to the main tours, cultural and educational programs were organized for the participants. They were united by a festival of national games, as well as a joint tree planting on the federal territory “Sirius.”
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