Intl. Physics Olympiad kicks off in Tokyo

A world physics competition for high school students is being held for the first time in Japan. About 500 people from about 80 countries and regions took part in the opening ceremony for the 53rd International Physics Olympiad in Tokyo on Monday.

The Olympiad was launched in 1967 to encourage young people to become interested in physics through international exchanges. Nobel physics laureate Kobayashi Makoto is the head of the organizing committee of this year's Olympiad.

The competition is set to begin on Tuesday. Contestants will take practical and theoretical exams, and will be given five hours to complete each one. The results will be announced at the closing ceremony next week. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top participants.