ATHUL KP
Every journey begins with a first move. For Ethan Vaz, it didn’t happen in a tournament hall, but at home — when a chessboard replaced cartoons and quietly set him on a path now unfolding on the national and international stage. “I was hoping to win gold, but win ning silver at the Under-17 Nationals is also a very good result. This is my 10th medal at Nationals, and I am happy that I have been consistent over the years,” Ethan said. Ethan’s journey began at the age of six. “My parents told me that my brother and I used to watch a lot of cartoons on TV, so they enrolled us in chess classes. I enjoyed chess a lot, and everything just flowed from there. My first coach, Prakash Singh, believed in my talent, and my parents did their best to support me,” he told O Heraldo. At 14, Ethan Vaz is already making waves in Indian chess, choosing the tougher path by regularly competing in Under-17 and Under-18 national championships against older, more experienced opponents.
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Unshaken by the challenge, he recently clinched a silver medal for Goa at the National Under-17 Open Chess Cham pionship, adding to a remarkable run that includes nation al-level Under-19 gold and 11 medals in the 2024–25 sea son. Despite his age, Ethan thrives on stronger competition. “I’ve been playing against players of all ages since I was seven, so I don’t think much about the age of my opponent. I always enjoy the challenge of playing stronger players, as it helps me improve,” he said. Now an International Master, his training has evolved. “Unlike earlier years, when I used to go for regular coach ing at the academy, things have changed after I became an IM. Now my routine involves more self-driven chess activ ities and sessions with my coaches, although there is no fixed schedule as such,” he explained. His rise has been extraordinary. Ethan has already achieved two Grandmaster norms, crossed the coveted 2500 FIDE rating mark, and won three international Grandmaster tournaments. Representing India, he secured 11 interna tional medals in a single year, taking his overall tally to 27. Among his standout achievements, Ethan became the youngest-ever National Junior (Under-19) champion, win ning the 2025 title in Jamshedpur with a dominant score of 10.5/11. This performance secured his selection to rep resent India at the World and Asian Junior (Under-20) and Youth (Under-18) Chess Championships in 2026. On the international circuit, Ethan claimed titles at three major Grandmaster events. He won the GM4 Festival šaha ‘Bijeljina 2025’ in Bosnia and Herzegovina, securing his first GM norm. He followed it up with victory at the RU DAR XXV – GM Round Robin in Serbia, where he crossed the 2500 Elo mark, and then triumphed at the GM Mix 11 Fantastico in Senta, Serbia, earning his second GM norm. His consistency at the continental level has been equally impressive. At the Western Asian Youth Chess Champion ships in Dushanbe (Under-16), he won five medals (two silver and three bronze), followed by six more (one silver and five bronze) at the Asian Youth Chess Championships in Bangkok. He credits his growth to a strong support system. “Un doubtedly, my coaches have played the biggest role in improving my game. My brother, Edrick Vaz, has been my sparring partner, and my parents have been my strongest pillars of support and have always believed in my poten tial,” Ethan said. Having represented India since the age of seven, he con tinues to cherish every moment. “I’ve been representing the country since I was seven, and I won my first two med als for India when I had just turned eight. I always feel very happy when I win medals for the country,” he said. Ethan has also drawn praise from his coach, Grand master Swayams Mishra. “Ethan shows strong calculation skills, good decision-making, and a disciplined approach in practice. He learns quickly from feedback and plays with consistency and fighting spirit,” he said. “If he continues with the same focus, he has very good potential to become one of the top players in the country and the world, with a bright future ahead,” Mishra added. Inspired by Viswanathan Anand and Goa’s Bhakti Kulkarni, Ethan has clear ambitions. “My ultimate dream is to become the World Champion and World No 1 in chess. For now, I want to become a Grandmaster as soon as possible. And I also want to continue winning more medals for India,” he said. Behind the young champion’s success is a family that has made significant sacrifices. “From enjoying chess as a hobby to representing India internationally, winning 27 medals for the country, becoming the world’s youngest In ternational Master in Jan 2024, and pursuing the Grand master title, it has been a spectacular journey. We have had to make a lot of adjustments to our careers, financial stability, schooling, social events, family celebrations and entertainment — you name it!” “What began as a hobby eventually turned into a full blown passion for the sport and a zeal to win medals for the state and the country, and there’s no looking back. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. It takes much more to raise a champion, and we are extremely grateful to each and every one who has supported us along the way,” his family said. Recalling how it all started, they added, “When Ethan was six years old, we brought home a chess set, and it all began as a fun activity. As the kids started showing more interest in the game, we thought of sending them for formal chess coaching. Back then, none of us had any idea what we were getting ourselves into or how this decision would go on to shape our lives forever.” On handling pressure, they said, “We simply learned and improvised along the way. Earlier, we used to worry about every match, but now we have learned to trust the process. We also try to enjoy the journey, although that’s easier said than done.” The board may have been small when it all began, but today, Ethan Vaz’s ambitions stretch far beyond it. And with each calculated move, a larger story continues to unfold — one that is only just beginning.
