Goa’s 14-year-old chess prodigy Ethan Vaz has scripted a remarkable chapter in Indian chess by becoming the country’s 96th Grandmaster and the third Grandmaster from Goa, following Anurag Mhamal and Leon Mendonca.
Ethan completed all requirements for the Grandmaster title after securing his third and final GM norm at the Sarajevo GM Mix tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he won the event ahead of 10 Grandmasters. With a live FIDE rating of 2522, Ethan is currently India’s youngest Grandmaster and the world’s second-youngest.
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CM Sawant’s Push to Strengthen Goa’s Sporting Ecosystem
Ethan Vaz’s success comes alongside a broader push by the Goa Government to strengthen the State’s sporting ecosystem and provide greater opportunities for promising athletes. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has repeatedly stressed the need to identify talent early, particularly from rural areas, and provide young sportspersons with proper training, coaching and infrastructure.
The inauguration of the Goa Chess Academy at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium is another step in this direction. The academy has been established by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa and the Goa Chess Association. It will provide structured coaching, help develop chess coaches and nurture emerging talent across the State.
Taking Professional Chess Training to Young Goans
The academy is designed to provide higher-level coaching, identify promising players and prepare them for national and international competitions. The official Goa Chess Academy jersey was also unveiled during the function.
The Government also plans to expand chess training through regional centres and introduce similar facilities at the taluka level, ensuring that young talent from rural Goa has access to professional coaching. CM Sawant also announced plans to establish a dedicated chess academy in South Goa to make structured training more accessible to aspiring players across the State.
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Focus on Developing Future Champions
Addressing the gathering, the CM Sawant said the academy would play a key role in developing quality chess coaches and future champions.
Referring to Goa’s successful hosting of the FIDE World Cup, CM Sawant said the new academy would further strengthen the State’s position on the global chess map by nurturing the next generation of players.
He also encouraged youngsters to embrace the Fit India Movement, noting that chess promotes discipline, concentration and strategic thinking while contributing to mental well-being.
Government Recognises and Supports Sporting Excellence
The Government’s support has also included direct recognition of sporting achievements. Grandmaster Ethan Vaz was felicitated with a ₹5 lakh cash award in recognition of his achievements, while the Goa Chess Association received ₹20 lakh in financial assistance for organising the Manohar Parrikar Chess Tournament.
The initiatives reflect the State Government’s focus on not only recognising established sporting achievers but also creating a stronger pipeline of talent through coaching, infrastructure and grassroots-level opportunities.
Ethan Vaz’s Journey to Grandmaster Glory
Ethan earned his first GM norm at the GM4 Festival Saha Bijeljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2025, where he also won the tournament.
His second norm came at the GM Mix 11 Fantastico tournament in Serbia in January 2026, where a final-round victory secured both the tournament title and the required norm.
His performances have continued to stand out this year. Ethan won three medals, including two gold medals in Rapid and Blitz, at the Commonwealth Chess Championship. He also remained unbeaten at the 4th Gujarat International Open, finishing ahead of 18 of the 19 Grandmasters in the field.
He qualified for the 2026 World and Asian Youth Chess Championships after winning silver at the National Under-17 Championship.
With 30 international medals for India and 10 national medals for Goa, Ethan has emerged as an inspiration for young players across the State.
Ethan Vaz’s Grandmaster title is not only a personal milestone but also another proud moment for Goa. His achievement, alongside the State’s growing investment in chess training and sporting infrastructure, highlights the potential of Goa’s young athletes to make their mark on the national and international stage.
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