PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursdayinaugurated the Goa Chess Academy at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium,Campal, with the aim of strengthening the State's competitive chess ecosystemand producing players capable of excelling at the national and internationallevels.
The academy has been established by theDirectorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the SportsAuthority of Goa and the Goa Chess Association. It will provide structuredcoaching, develop chess coaches and nurture emerging talent across the State.
The official Goa Chess Academy jersey wasunveiled during the function. Grandmaster Ethan Vaz was felicitated with a cashaward of ₹5 lakh in recognition of his achievements, while the Goa ChessAssociation received financial assistance of ₹20 lakh for organising theManohar Parrikar Chess Tournament.
Addressing the gathering, Sawant said theacademy would play a key role in developing quality coaches and futurechampions. He announced plans to expand similar chess training centres to thetaluka level, including the establishment of a dedicated academy in South Goato make professional coaching more accessible.
Referring to Goa's successful hosting of theFIDE World Cup, the Chief Minister said the new academy would further strengthenthe State's position on the global chess map by nurturing the next generationof players. He also encouraged youngsters to embrace the Fit India Movement,saying chess promotes discipline, concentration, strategic thinking and mentalwell-being.
The programme was attended by Secretary(Sports) Santosh Sukhadeve, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs and ExecutiveDirector of the Sports Authority of Goa Dr Ajay R. Gaude, Goa Chess Associationpresident Mahesh Kandolkar, officials of the Sports Department, representativesof the Goa Chess Association, coaches, players and parents.
