Canada ( Rajeev Sharma) | The statement Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us is exemplified by Angad Singh Khattra, who was awarded the 2024 Canadian Geographic Challenge and to represent Team Canada. During an interview , Khattra revealed that he was introduced to geography by learning about capitals around the world at the tender age of four by his grandmother, a former geography teacher. Since then, geography has been a deep-seated interest and passion for him. He has enjoyed attending geography classes, participating in competitions, and studying geography in his free time. While his enthusiasm for learning about lakes, rainforests, world capitals, or population dynamics is unparalleled, the most captivating aspect of geography, according to him, is the narrative it paints. Khattra describes geography as the study of the physical world and an exploration of how human interactions with the physical world shape planet Earth and its countless species. It provides a unique perspective into the evolution of the world and the reasons behind the current state of affairs. Study of geography can help explain the root causes of specific conflicts and persistent inequalities.Khattra reported that he began engaging with the Canadian Geographic Challenge in Grade 7. Upon the initial introduction of the Challenge in his school, he displayed his exceptional aptitude by securing the highest score in both Grades 7 and 8. However, he was unable to advance further and become the school champion. In Grade 9, he once again showcased his expertise by attaining the highest score on the classroom and school tests, becoming the school champion. He went on to perform remarkably well in the provincial round, emerging as one of the Top 20 students in the entire country. After securing high scores on the two tests within the Top 20, he was placed in the Top 5 and eventually finished in the second position in the final round of the Canadian Geographic Challenge in 2021. In Grade 10, he made a remarkable comeback by achieving first place in the 2021 Canadian Geographic Challenge after four years of participating in the contest. In 2024, Khattra’s geography prowess led him to represent the Canadian delegation at the International Geography Olympiad, held in Dublin, Ireland. The selection process was highly demanding, and the tests, including Multimedia, Written, and Fieldwork, presented their unique challenges. However, Khattra’s unwavering commitment and remarkable talent enabled him to secure a place among the Top four competitors and earn a spot on the national team.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to compete against the most brilliant and accomplished geography students from around the world in August, Khattra remarked. I sincerely appreciate the Geography Department at UTS for their continued support, especially to . Cook and . Farley, two geography teachers who have guided me throughout my journey and enriched my knowledge of geography. I am also grateful to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Can GEO Education for providing such opportunities and allowing me to participate in numerous geography competitions throughout the year. I look forward to working with Coach VanZant, Coach Ruest, and my teammates, and I hope we can bring home the gold for Canada!