PANAJI
Ethan Vaz from Goa delivered an impressive performance to clinch the silver medal at the 35th National Under-17 Open Chess Championship 2025–26, held in Ahmedabad from March 30 to April 7, 2026.
Speaking to the media, Vaz expressed satisfaction with his performance. “I was hoping to finish first, but second place is still a good result. I have now been selected to represent India at the World, Commonwealth, and Asian Chess Championships,” he said.
Welcoming him on arrival at Dabolim Airport, Ashesh Keni, Secretary of the Goa Chess Association (GCA), praised his achievement. “We are proud of Ethan, who is an International Master with a rating of 2522. He has won a silver medal for Goa and received a cash prize of ₹90,000 along with a trophy. He will now represent India at international events in the Under-17 category,” Keni said.
The 14-year-old remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, scoring 9 points from 11 rounds with seven wins and four draws.
With this podium finish, Vaz has qualified to represent India at the World Youth and Asian Youth Chess Championships in 2026 in the Under-18 category.
Earlier, in December, Vaz had won a gold medal at the National Junior (Under-19) Open Chess Championship, securing selection for the World Junior and Asian Junior Chess Championships in 2026.
GCA Secretary also lauded the Goa government for its support to chess, noting that the state secured two medals at the national level in the Under-7 and Under-17 categories.
Vaz, one of India’s youngest International Masters with a rating of 2522, now holds the rare distinction of being selected to represent the country in both the Youth (Under-18) and Junior (Under-20) categories at the World, Commonwealth, and Asian Chess Championships in 2026.
