Goa has always taken pride in nurturing talent across diverse fields. Yet the lukewarm reception accorded to young chess prodigy Evan Antonio Telles raises serious questions about our commitment to promoting excellence. Representing India at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 in Sri Lanka, Evan clinched the Under-8 Rapid Gold and Blitz Silver, competing against 41 players from across nations. His triumph is not just a personal glory but a shining moment for Goa and India. While both local and national newspapers highlighted his achievement, the welcome at Dabolim Airport was strikingly subdued. No dignitary, no representative of the political class, and no organised felicitation marked his return. Only the Goa Chess Association, his coach Prakash Singh, family, friends, and the press stepped forward to celebrate him. This stands in sharp contrast to the State’s recent ambition of branding Goa as the “Chess Capital”, where even the Chief Minister had earlier promoted the revival of Chaturanga.
If Goa truly aspires to become a hub for chess, celebrating and encouraging our champions must be a priority. Evan’s achievement deserves a rousing welcome, institutional recognition, and sustained support. Ignoring such milestones risks discouraging young talents who could carry Goa’s name to global platforms. Moreover, sponsorship and adoption by corporate houses should be actively considered. Identifying prodigies at a young age and grooming them with structured support can transform them into world achievers. This is not just an investment in sport but in the intellectual capital of our nation. It is time for our leaders, sports authorities, and society at large to rise above token gestures and ensure that prodigies like Evan Telles receive the honour, encouragement, and resources they rightfully deserve.
