BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO
PANAJI
India's current youngest Grandmaster Ethan Vaz says becoming the country's 96th Grandmaster and Goa's third has fulfilled a long-cherished dream, but the 14-year-old remains remarkably grounded despite the acclaim that has followed the milestone.
Speaking to The Goan on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Goa Chess Academy, where he was felicitated by the State government, the Raia prodigy said the achievement had yet to fully sink in.
"I was very happy (with the GM title), but I really did not feel the excitement for some reason. I am really happy though that I have accomplished the title of a GM, which has been a dream since long," Ethan said.
The young prodigy locked in his third and final GM norm at the age of 14 years, 9 months and 27 days at the Chess Summer in Sarajevo – GM Mix tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina, defeating Norwegian IM Tor Fredrik Kaasen in the penultimate round on June 27.
Recalling the decisive encounter, Ethan described it as the most memorable game of his career. "It was a memorable, long game that stretched like five hours, which secured my GM title with a win," he said.
Despite entering the tournament needing just one more norm to become a Grandmaster, Ethan said he never allowed the pressure to affect his performance. “I did not feel any pressure really. I was able to handle it well. I am really happy that I could do it (achieve GM title) and I would like to thank my parents (Edwin and Linda) who kept me motivated and calm,” India’s current youngest Grandmaster asserted.
Ethan credited years of competitive experience and the support of his family for helping him develop mental resilience.
“My parents introduced me to chess when I was about six-and-a-half years. They brought a chessboard home, and that is how it all started. I fell in love with the game and just wanted to play more and more,” reminisced Ethan, whose initial opponents were his parents and older brother, Edrick.
Managing elite pressure at such a young age came with constant practice and parental advice. He said his father had played a key role in helping him cope with pressure during tournaments, while his mother continued to provide unwavering support.
The teenager also acknowledged the support extended by The King's School, which has allowed him to balance academics with an increasingly demanding international tournament schedule by granting leave for competitions and rescheduling examinations when required.
“My school allows me to take leaves whenever I want for my tournaments. But now that I am in my tenth standard, I am trying to focus on studies as well,” Ethan said.
Initially, and until he became an IM, Ethan was under the tutelage of local coach, Prakash Vikram Singh. Ever since, Ethan has been under high-level training with GM Swayams Mishra. On his training, Ethan reveals, “It is different since a year now, than how it was earlier. I now focus more on the opening repertoire because most of the players come with preparation nowadays.”
Looking ahead, Ethan has set his sights on crossing the 2,600 Elo rating mark before the end of the year and eventually breaching the 2,700 barrier. “I would eventually like to get to 2700, and one day, become a world champion,” the world’s current second-youngest Grandmaster said.
But for now, Ethan is busy attending school, focusing on his studies, and catching up on what he has missed out, until his next tournament comes calling.
