The road to IRO

At the 25th International Robotics Olympiad (IRO), the Bangladesh team proudly seized 15 medals, showcasing its prowess on the global stage. Among the standout teams, Team Aficionados of Bangladesh distinguished themselves, presenting a unique and substantial presence that highlighted the remarkable synergy within familial bonds.
Comprising Maskur Malik Mustafa from Notre Dame College, his sister Maskura Mehnaz from Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, and their cousin Maisha Sobhan, also from Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, Team Aficionados not only represented Bangladesh at the highest stage but also etched their names in the annals of IRO history.
The trio's exceptional journey reached its zenith in the 'Robot in Movie' category of IRO 23, where they clinched an impressive three silver medals. This achievement not only reflects their expertise but also demonstrates the intertwining of family bonds with a shared passion for robotics. In the words of Maskura Mehnaz, "Those three silver medals are the outcome of two years of hard work, countless sleepless nights working together as a team brought us here, and it feels incredibly rewarding."
The journey of Team Aficionados commenced two years ago, in 2022. Back then, Maskur Malik Mustafa was in grade 10, while Maisha Sobhan and Maskura Mehnaz were SSC candidates. One fateful day, while browsing Facebook, Mehnaz discovered the World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) and, on a whim, suggested to her younger brother that they try their hand at building robots for the competition. What started as a casual idea quickly ignited a passion within them.
"It all started as a joke. But once we got talking about it, we couldn't shake off the excitement," reminisced Maskur Malik Mustafa.

Members of Team Aficionados from Bangladesh at the International Robotics Olympiad held in Greece recently

With no prior experience in robotics, they embarked on this unknown journey with determination, turning what began as a playful notion into a serious pursuit. To complete their team, they reached out to their cousin, Maisha and set out to explore the world of robotics. They scoured videos, watched tutorials on YouTube, and sought out mentors to guide them through the basics. Their initial journey was supported by the guidance of a mentor figure named Rashedul Haque Arif, who played the role of a supportive elder brother, imparting foundational knowledge and skills.
Despite their enthusiasm and hard work, their journey encountered significant twists along the way. The national round of the WRO coincided with the date of Mehnaz and Maisha's Physics SSC exam, rendering them unable to participate in the competition they had been preparing for. However, their efforts were not in vain. Undeterred by this setback, they sought out new opportunities and discovered the Bangladesh Robotics Olympiad (BDRO), a platform that would eventually pave the way for their participation in the International Robotics Olympiad (IRO).
"Sometimes, setbacks lead to unexpected opportunities. Our shift to the Bangladesh Robotics Olympiad opened new doors for us," says Maisha Sobhan.
Another major twist was awaiting them. Maskur faced a hurdle that prevented his participation in the main competition -- the National Round of the Bangladesh Robotics Olympiad (BDRO) -- due to a conflicting test exam. Despite this, Mehnaz and Maisha persevered through the highs and lows, their constant dedication resulting in a silver medal in the National Round of BDRO in 2022.
Following their success, Mehnaz and Maisha proceeded to a residential camp where they teamed up with Prithibi and secured their place in IRO 22, an achievement that left them on cloud nine. "Representing Bangladesh on the international stage felt like a dream. It felt so surreal. And then, winning the gold medal for Bangladesh -- words can't capture that moment," expresses Maisha Sobhan.
However, while their 2022 journey concluded with a golden flourish for Maisha and Mehnaz, Maskur found himself eager to join the ranks for BDRO 23. Maskur shares, "I couldn't participate back then, but my interest and passion only grew stronger. At that time, I was determined to contribute to our team's success and make it to IRO 23."
Once again, the trio of Maskur, Mehnaz, and Maisha enthusiastically geared up for BDRO 23, setting their sights on the 'Robot in Movie' category. Notably, this time around, their entire journey was guided by the experienced hand of SM Minoor Karim. The online selection round posed its challenges, but the real test awaited them in the national round.
This time again, their journey was marked by peaks and valleys. In the national round, the main robot malfunctioned, causing the unexpected rise of smoke from their robot, creating a sense of panic and a fear that their journey might come to an abrupt end. Despite this setback, the team rallied, quickly fixing the main robot and managing to produce a movie sequence within a tight timeframe.
Recalling the pivotal moment, Mehnaz shares, "There was a point where I thought, 'Let's go home.' But Maskur insisted, 'No, let's take the chances.' The pressure was real, especially with two members having secured gold in the previous year."
To their astonishment, the team received a bronze in the prize-giving ceremony. Maisha describes the moment as overwhelming, saying, "We were in tears." The victory at the national round propelled them to another residential camp, but their elation was short-lived as the same robot faced technical issues once again.
"The first take went extremely bad, and we were rethinking whether to continue this time," admits Mehnaz. The mental toll of three days without sleep in the camp reached its peak. Maskur, contemplating leaving, sought guidance from Bangladesh team mentor Mishal Islam, who enhanced their motivation.
As the team continued the non-residential camp, the struggles intensified. Balancing academics and demanding preparation became increasingly challenging. Maisha reflects on their mindset, saying, "At times, I thought, 'What's the point? We weren't getting any results.' We became extremely demotivated."
After enduring all these numerous challenges, they finally made it to Greece for the International Robotics Olympiad, arriving on January 15, with the final submission due on January 17. Following the submission, they had two days to explore various places in Greece, adding to their overall experience.
As January 20 approached, anticipation hung in the air. The result of two years of hard work, challenges, and dedication was about to be revealed. In a moment that would etch itself into their memories, Team Aficionados was awarded a silver medal.
The result marked an emotional juncture for Mehnaz and Maisha, officially signalling the end of their journey as part of Team Bangladesh for IRO. The cheers, tears, and shared triumphs had brought them to this point. With heads held high and a silver medal in hand, they signed off from the International Robotics Olympiad, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and accomplishment. Reflecting on the journey, Mehnaz shared, "The beginning of my robotics journey was with a silver medal and the end of IRO with the same silver medal. It was a great journey, much learned, and many memories to cherish."
Reflecting on the journey, Mashkur shared his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to my parents for always supporting me through this journey and to everyone who believed in us and offered their help along the way."
The journey of Team Aficionados, rife with twists, turns, and determination, had taken them from the national stages of Bangladesh to the global arena. As they bid farewell to the International Robotics Olympiad, the echoes of their resilience resonated not just within the robotics community but as an inspiring tale of what can be achieved when passion and persistence converge.

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