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Astronomy Olympiad Suspends Israel’s National Team Status After Mumbai Board Vote

Organizers said the move mirrors earlier sanctions for Russia and Belarus following a petition over Palestinian students’ access.

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Several lectures under the Olympiad were held at IIT Bombay
This year the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics brought together 288 students from 63 different countries.
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Overview

  • Delegates at the IOAA board meeting in Mumbai on August 18 voted by a significant majority to end recognition of Israel’s national team in future editions.
  • Israeli students may continue to participate only as individuals under the IOAA flag, according to IOAA president Aniket Sule.
  • A letter dated August 1, signed by 536 scientists, alleged Israel blocked Palestinian participation, noting only one Palestinian student from Jenin attended this year.
  • Officials said Israel pre-registered for IOAA 2025 but did not send a team after students were unable to secure permissions from their government.
  • Israel’s consul general in Mumbai criticized the decision, while the 18th IOAA hosted by HBCSE in Mumbai featured about 300 students from 64 countries.