Herald: How were you first initiated into the world of chess development?
Nilesh Cabral: I have been associated with the youth from my constituency for last 12 years by helping them in organising various chess events from Taluka level to all India rated tournament as chess is known for its various benefits to young students.
H: What goals did you set for yourself when you were elected GCA President?
NC: Firstly, we had to bring financial stability in the association. Then, securing the premises for all 12 affiliated Taluka Chess Associations, approaching the Government for financial support like any other SAG affiliated sports clubs, introduction of chess at Schools so that all could learn chess at minimum cost and time. We had to get good coaches for all talukas and also had to create infrastructures for organising tournaments and trainings. And yes, also to organise a Grand Master tournament in Goa for the best exposure not only for Goan players but also for other Indian players.
H: What was the situation of chess in Goa back then (prior to your joining)? And the current situation?
NC: I would say that chess was well stabilised as they had all 12 taluka associations in Goa working for the development of the sport. My predecessor Rajya Sabha Member Vinaybab had done an excellent work as a President. Kishor Bandekar as Secretary along with the other 12 taluka members had set the ball rolling. Chess was one of the top sports at the International level for many years. I had to re-organise the goals which could be achieved by motivating everyone from the team for achieving the same with positive approach.
H: What are the challenges you faced during the past one year on your journey in chess development in Goa?
NC: The first challenge was to maintain financial stability of the association as it was not very sound though all the members were dynamic to take up any responsibilities by raising the funds as and when required. We had difficulty of getting chess coaches in Goa. Presently in Goa, we have only three chess coaches. More and more students are being attracted towards chess but we don’t have coaches to train them so we added chess in school programmes to overcome the situation by training PE teachers to bridge the gap from widening. We are trying to have permanent training programmes for chess coaches so that they can be deputed all over Goa.
H: You began Chess in schools project last year. What’s the thinking behind the project? How many schools are part of the project?
NC: Our chess programmes in schools were a joint venture between Goa Vidya Prasarak Mandal (GVM) and GCA. The main objective was to take chess to every student of Goa in a short time. Chess game as such for its learning requires lot of money and time along with a good coach. We tried to change this equation with our CiS programme and make chess available to every student in Goa. Recently, we signed MOU with Saraswat Vidyalaya Mapusa for the joint development of chess. Many other schools are approaching us for the introduction of chess in their schools. Soon we will be publishing the text book for teaching chess in schools which will be available to all schools in Goa so that most of the schools can take advantage of the same.
H: What other regional projects do you consider to be a priority?
NC: We are thinking of approaching villages as a part of a talent hunt. We are also thinking of very intensive coaching for our players as they have the capabilities and desired intellectual to perform at national and international level.
H: Are you happy with the system currently in place?
NC: I believe that we have to build our own system for any success by overcoming the shortcomings in the existing system and it is challenge before us. There is ample support from the Government for sports in Goa. We have to use the same and look beyond that for excellence. If everyone contributes, there will be a lot of value addition in the process and we have the 12 taluka teams under GCA who are doing an excellent job.
H: Is there any kind of government support for developing young talent? If yes, how much does it cost?
NC: Yes! like any other sport, the Government is very aggressive in supporting our players. The Chief Minister sanctioned Rs 5 lakhs to our 1st Goan Grand Master. They are sponsoring all our teams for Nationals and are also giving us grants for organising various events. Goa is much better as compared to other States in disbursing the grants. No doubt the allowances and grants are required to be reviewed considering the present cost.
H: How about Goa’s 1st GM tournament that begins in October? What are your views and expectations from it?
NC: The GM tournament is a dream project for every Goan chess fraternity and we are working towards its success. As this is the first GM tournament in Goa, surely there will be challenges. I feel that if we find sponsors, it will be most successful event for Goa and for India. We expect around 25 top Grand masters from abroad to participate in this event which will be held in three categories from October 13 to 20. We are expecting around 1200 players for this event.
H: What about those who have already chosen chess as their profession? Are they making a decent living?:
NC: Our players are at initial stage and they have to settle. Our first GM Anurag Mhamal is trying to achieve a higher rating. WGM Bhakti is one of the best players for India and is currently playing for AIR being brand Ambassador of Goa Carbon. WIM Ivana Furtado, was busy with her studies and IM Rohan Ahuja, who received Pepsi Chess Fellow Award, is now studying at University of Maryland Baltimore Country while pursuing chess practice. If you say, all our chess players are well educated and they can get any good job in Government or any corporates. They may even opt for chess training or coaching which is highly paid as our Indian chess players are being trained by foreign Grand master charging very high fees by giving online coaching, which is a new concept developed to save travelling cost and time.
H: Where do you see chess and Goa in the next five years?
NC: Looking at the present trends, in five years, Goa will make lot of progress in chess just like Tamil Nadu and other southern states. We will certainly have all infrastructure in place for this and our players will do well not only in chess but in their studies. We will have new youth who will be well equipped to take up the challenges of life and lead the people for their betterment. We may have full-fledged chess schools, chess academy for advanced training and also training school for chess coaches.
