PANJIM: Ethan Vaz, one of the youngest International Master in chess, has been building up his game by playing in tournaments around the world.
He recently participated in tournaments in Vietnam where he stood third in both the tournaments and scored a 4th IM Norm surpassing the requirement by half a point and missed a GM norm by one point.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Ethan said, “After completing all prerequisites for the prestigious IM title on January 3, 2024, my father said we’ll take a break and focus on funding. The break from tournaments quickly extended beyond two months, and I was not at all happy about that. If we could secure more sponsorship and put financial concerns aside, we would be able to accelerate our efforts towards coaching and tournament participation. Nevertheless, my parents are trying their best. After a two-month long break, I went for a set of two GM tournaments in Vietnam, where I scored a 4th IM Norm, this time surpassing the requirement by half a point, and missed a GM Norm by just one point.”
“I also secured two bronze medals, one in each of the tournaments. I have played only three standard tournaments so far this year, which is far below our targets. However, I continue to work hard on my game, and I’m ready for more opportunities,” Ethan said.
When asked about his plans for the year, he said, “The plan was to undergo advanced coaching and participate in GM level tournaments, in an attempt to move in closer to the goal of becoming a Grandmaster.”
Further, Ethan said, “Given the limited number of opportunities I’ve had, I can say I have made very good progress in a very short span of time. Currently, I am not happy that I have to slow down because of financial reasons. If I can get more tournament opportunities and more advanced coaching, I’m sure I can do even better.”
The challenge for any young sportsperson is the importance of participating in tournaments in the country and around the world. This requires funds from the family or corporate assistance.
Speaking on this, Ethan said, “Currently, I am focusing on playing GM level tournaments. A lot of such opportunities are available overseas, but the expenses towards travel and accommodation run into several lakhs of rupees for each overseas trip. Some of my peers from other countries appear to be well supported, and they play such tournaments on a regular basis. I wish I could participate in such tournaments regularly, but I am grateful for whatever opportunities come my way. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me financially, especially The King’s School, Geno Foundation, ChessBase India, Group e4 – an initiative by 5-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, and everyone who has contributed towards my crowd-funding campaign. I would also like to appeal to well-wishers and corporate sponsors to please support me in my journey to become a Grandmaster.”
When asked if the State association was providing any assistance, he said that the Goa Chess Association (GCA) had been instrumental in his early chess career, when he participated in the local tournaments organised under the aegis of GCA.
The GCA team, he said, understood his struggles and had made efforts to seek financial support for him from the Chief Minister and the Sports Minister. He hoped support would come by from the State government and from corporates.
