The allure of the AIMO arena

TPO - The results of the 2026 Asian Mathematical Olympiad in English national finals show that 22 provinces and cities had students winning awards, with Hanoi leading absolutely with an overwhelming number of contestants in all grade levels and medal categories.

On the morning of May 24th, the awards ceremony for the national final round of the 2026 Asian Mathematical Olympiad in English took place at the Vietnam Youth Academy ( Hanoi ).

Candidates participating in the AIMO 2025-2026 competition.

After nearly seven months of exciting and engaging competition, with the participation of contestants from grades 2 to 12 nationwide, the national finals of the Asian Mathematical Olympiad in English (AIMO) 2025-2026 have officially concluded. Nearly 1,300 contestants gathered at this exciting and highly educational and creative competition.

The competition is not only a place for students to showcase their thinking abilities and passion for mathematics, but also an opportunity to connect, interact, learn, and strive towards sustainable values, reaching international standards.

Dr. Dang Minh Tuan

Dr. Dang Minh Tuan, lecturer at the University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, and Chairman of the Professional Council, assessed that one of the biggest highlights of AIMO 2026 is its widespread impact and equality in access to education. This year's preliminary round attracted more than 11,000 participants online. This number is not only significant in terms of quantity but also carries profound social meaning.

Previously, major international competitions were typically the exclusive domain of students from large cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Hai Phong. However, this year, the organizers have noted a large number of students from distant provinces such as Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Dak Lak, and even from Can Tho, who flew to Hanoi to compete in the final round.

Thanks to the internet, even those living in remote areas or far from major cities, as long as they have good mathematical thinking and a basic foundation in English, have equal opportunities to compete and prove themselves. There are even touching stories where, thanks to their children reaching the national finals, many parents had the chance to visit Hanoi for the first time.

According to Dr. Dang Minh Tuan, the large number of participants and their good results demonstrate the current reading comprehension skills of Vietnamese students in specialized foreign languages.

This reflects a significant shift in the awareness of parents and schools regarding the use of English in mathematics. This is a very positive sign, entirely appropriate and in line with the government's policy of making English the second language in schools. Schools, teachers, and parents have proactively prepared and equipped their children with a solid foundation to confidently step out into the world.

The fact that the students were able to read and understand the questions entirely in English, demonstrating both logical thinking and the ability to relate them to modern scientific and technological knowledge, shows the potential of the younger generation.

Dr. Dang Minh Tuan affirmed that the results of AIMO 2026 bring great confidence in the future of Vietnam's advanced education. However, for these potentials to truly flourish, we need unity and close cooperation from three pillars: schools, families, and society. When teachers actively innovate their methods, parents understand and support them, and the organizers create quality playgrounds, children will have the necessary foundation to go further.

AIMO is not just a competition; it's a stepping stone. The experiences, knowledge, and confidence gained from this platform are essential tools for Vietnamese students to be ready to step out into the continental and global arenas, and confidently become true global citizens.

According to the organizing committee's statistics, a total of 22 provinces and cities had students winning awards in the AIMO national finals for the 2025-2026 school year.

Hanoi, the capital city, leads absolutely with an overwhelming number of contestants in all grade levels and medal categories.

Thanh Hoa ranked second in the total number of awards, and was particularly strong in the junior high school category.

In third place is Tuyen Quang, which focuses heavily on competitions in grades 6, 7, and 8.

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Awards were presented to the contestants.

Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Hai Phong City belong to the group with a consistent learning movement and contribute a large number of award-winning candidates.

The schools that have won the most Gold Medals are:

Newton School System (Hanoi): Achieved the most Gold Medals with 16 Gold awards (particularly strong in the Primary and Grade 6 categories).

Tran Mai Ninh Secondary School (Thanh Hoa): Won 12 Gold Medals (of which the 8th grade accounted for 6 Gold Medals).

Archimedes Academy System (Hanoi): Won 9 Gold Medals.

The Gifted Secondary School - Hanoi University of Education: Won 7 Gold Medals (all in grade 6).

Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for Gifted Students: Won 5 Gold Medals (leading the high school category).

The schools with the highest number of award-winning students are:

Tran Mai Ninh Secondary School (Thanh Hoa): Over 80 students won awards, making it the single school with the highest number of award-winning students, concentrated mainly in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Le Quy Don Secondary School (Tuyen Quang): Over 70 students won awards, dominating the Northern region, excluding Hanoi.

Newton School System (Hanoi): (Including Isaac Newton, Newton 5, Newton Goldmark, Newton Secondary & High School...) Has over 50 award-winning students spanning from grade 2 to grade 8.

Tran Quoc Toan Secondary School (Quang Ninh): More than 20 students won awards.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/suc-hut-tu-dau-truong-aimo-post1845809.tpo