Hong Kong student, 12, wins global brain game

A 12-year-old student of the Canadian International School in Hong Kong beat more than a million rivals to clinch the Champion of Champions title at the World Education Games.

Sachin Kumar Mital answered one question every 1.2 seconds on mathematics, science or literacy to win the gold medal that was presented to him in Sydney yesterday.

"This is a brilliant result for Sachin and Hong Kong, because it is kids like him who help propel achievement in learning onto the same pedestal as achievement in sport," said Tim Power, chief executive of 3P Learning, which runs the free, annual event.

The games, played online from March 5 to 7, saw children in 236 countries, territories and principalities compete in four age groups, from four to 18.

The games began as an Australian competition in 2005 and spread globally in partnership with the United Nations agency Unicef in 2007.

With medals, ambassadors and the thrill of competition, Power said the games are designed so students learn to value learning the way the world values sport.

Participating students can fill out profiles as ambassadors, telling others about themselves and what is great about their home countries.