Haldwani’s Indira Gandhi International Sports Stadium in Gaulapar hosted a large student-focused rocket science event on Sunday, as hundreds of participants from 82 schools tested their designs during Akashian Competition-2026.
The programme was organised by Astroverse Experience’s Astropathshala as part of World Space Week. Students applied principles related to pressure, propulsion and aerodynamics while building and launching rockets in different categories.
The event also included extempore speaking and junior and senior space-art contests. These activities gave participants opportunities to present their understanding of space through both public speaking and visual creativity.
Scientists connect classroom lessons with research
Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri joined the programme virtually and encouraged the participating students. Dr Manish Kumar Naja, director of ARIES Nainital, registrar Mohit Joshi and founder Ajay Rawat were among those present at the venue.
Scientists at the programme explained how concepts introduced in classrooms can lead towards practical research. Their interaction focused on helping students understand the connection between basic science, experimentation and space-related work.
The organisers said the college-level round will take place on 5 October. It will feature solid-fuel, multistage and reusable rocketry, along with CAD and simulation competitions.
Winners across the school competitions
The results announced for the different categories were as follows:
- Hydro Rocketry: First, Scindia School Gwalior; second, Dynasty Modern Gurukul; third, Scholars Academy.
- Air Rocketry: First, Scholars Academy Kotdwar; second, DPS Rudrapur; third, Bright Start Jaspur.
- Parachute Rocketry: First, Summit Study Hall Kashipur; second, St Mary’s Nainital; third, Whitehall Haldwani.
- Extempore: First, Inspiration Senior Secondary; second, Bright Start; third, SKM.
- Junior Space Art: First, Scholars; second, Sai Public Kashipur; third, Golden Gate.
- Senior Space Art: First, Ekamkar Global; second, St Mary’s Government Nainital; third, Sai Public Kashipur.
The results included schools from Haldwani, Nainital, Kashipur, Kotdwar, Rudrapur, Jaspur and other locations, reflecting participation from across the region and beyond.
Why the event matters for students
The competition combined construction, launching, design and communication rather than limiting participation to written science activities. Students therefore engaged with engineering concepts while also presenting their ideas through speech and art.
The next stage will shift the focus to more advanced formats, including multistage and reusable rocket systems, computer-aided design and simulation. These categories are scheduled as part of the college-level programme on 5 October.
Conclusion
Akashian Competition-2026 brought 82 schools together in Haldwani for practical rocket-building, space-art and speaking activities, with advanced college-level contests set to follow on 5 October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was Akashian Competition-2026 held?
It was held at the Indira Gandhi International Sports Stadium in Gaulapar, Haldwani.
Q. How many schools participated on the first day?
Students from 82 schools took part on the first day.
Q. Which scientific principles did students use?
Participants worked with concepts involving pressure, propulsion and aerodynamics.
Q. Who joined the programme virtually?
Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri joined the event virtually.
Q. What competitions are planned for 5 October?
The college-level programme will include solid-fuel, multistage and reusable rocketry, CAD and simulation contests.
Q. Which school won the hydro-rocketry category?
Scindia School Gwalior secured first place in hydro rocketry.
Q. Which school won air rocketry?
Scholars Academy Kotdwar finished first in air rocketry.
Q. Which school won parachute rocketry?
Summit Study Hall Kashipur took the top position in parachute rocketry.
Q. Which school won the senior space-art category?
Ekamkar Global won the senior space-art competition.
