THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Goa’s chess prodigy Ethan Vaz has once again brought glory to India by clinching five medals at the Western Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from April 20 to 29. With this remarkable achievement, the 13-year-old’s international medal tally for India now stands at an impressive 21.
The tournament, organized by the Tajikistan Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, featured three formats—Standard (Classical), Rapid, and Blitz.
Competing in the Under-16 Open category, Ethan secured individual Silver in Standard, Silver in Rapid, and Bronze in Blitz. In addition, he played a pivotal role in helping India secure Team Bronze medals in both Standard and Rapid formats. Despite India fielding only two players in the category—unlike full three-member teams from countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the host Tajikistan—the Indian duo stood their ground, making the team medals particularly notable.
Though eligible for the Under-14 category, Ethan chose to compete in the tougher Under-16 division, consistent with his long-term strategy to challenge himself against stronger competition. His selection followed his medal-winning performance at the 2024 Sub-Junior (U-15) National Chess Championship.
This year's Western Asia Youth Chess Championships saw participation from 391 players representing 13 countries, including 37 titled players, adding further prestige to Ethan’s achievement.
“I was hoping for gold, but a consistent performance with podium finishes in all formats is an accomplishment to be very proud of,” said Ethan.
The Goa Chess Association extended its heartfelt congratulations. “We are immensely proud of Ethan’s stellar performance and wish him continued success,” said GCA President Mahesh Candolkar. Secretary Ashesh Keni, Treasurer Vishwas Pilarnkar, and other GCA officials echoed the sentiments.
Ethan and his father are currently on their way back to India, although their return journey has been disrupted due to a last-minute cancellation of a connecting flight following Pakistan’s airspace closure, a fallout of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
