Damascus, Feb.22(SANA) Syria’s Distinction and Creativity Agency launched on Saturday the National Robotics Championship, which qualifies for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2026, hosted by Puerto Rico under the theme “Robots Meet Culture.”
The step came during a press conference at the Rida Saeed Conference Hall at Damascus University.
Judges overseeing the competition’s categories presented the 2026 contest rules, participation procedures, and the newly-introduced global requirements.
They highlighted the importance of using the WRO Learn platform for training students and coaches, adhering to international standards, and avoiding imitation of online robot designs and programs.
Chairman of Syria’s Distinction and Creativity Agency, Shadi al-Azmeh, pointed to last year’s achievements, stressing that sustaining progress requires greater effort and overcoming challenges to secure higher rankings.
He reaffirmed the Agency ’s support for the championship and emphasized the need for partners beyond government institutions, as well as the importance of making use of youth talent in an era shaped by robotics, modeling, and artificial intelligence.
Mouhib Al-Naqari, head of the Agency’s Scientific Committee for Robotics, underscored the value of teamwork within participating groups. He explained that this year’s theme—set by host country Puerto Rico—focuses on how robots can support cultural fields such as heritage restoration, music, and other applications enhanced by artificial intelligence.
Al-Naqari added that three regional qualifying events will be held in Damascus, Homs, and Lattakia, with top teams advancing to the national finals. The winning team will represent Syria at the global Olympiad.
The workshop brought together category heads, robotics coaches, school administrators, technology enthusiasts, and students.
Last year, Syrian teams earned their first-ever gold medal at the World Robot Olympiad, hosted by Singapore under the theme “Robots for the Future,” in addition to placing among the top eight teams worldwide and winning two silver medals and one bronze.
