I took part in the selections for the Italian Olympiad of Informatics. First question:
Preferred language?
1. C/C++
2. Pascal

What if I only knew Java, COBOL, or Python? It just seems like such a limiting thing, is it normal?
Does it happen in other countries too?

C++

It's donne like that to have limited categories and so that 'athletes' compete with the same tools. So: 2 structured languages and 1 Object Oriented.

If they asked you too implement a mathematical problem, the guys with python had it easier...

So limiting the tools ensures better competition of skills.

Also, I was thinking "here's Pascal, ok... Maybe for beginners... Yet..."

Then I saw you referenced COBOL... Wow! It's dead Jim! Leave it and move on...

Unfortunately, I don't know either.

@mmcorreia it's actually still taught in some schools here in Italy 😑

@mmcorreia I see your point, python does offer an unfair advantage, but at this point why would they include Pascal? It gives an unfair disadvantage to people who use it, compared to C++
So i still think giving more options might have been better, but that's just my two cents on the matter