Ethan Vaz Shines at Western Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025, Securing Five Medals in Dushanbe

Ethan Vaz Shines at Western Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025, Secures Five Medals

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – In a remarkable display of skill and determination, 13-year-old chess prodigy Ethan Vaz has returned from the Western Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025 with an impressive haul of five medals. This achievement not only highlights his talent but also elevates his all-time medal tally for India to an impressive 21.

The championships, organized by the Tajikistan Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, featured intense competition across three formats: Rapid, Standard (Classical), and Blitz. Competing in the under-16 Open category, Ethan showcased his prowess by clinching individual silver medals in both the Standard and Rapid formats, along with a bronze in Blitz. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in securing team bronze medals for India in the Standard and Rapid formats, despite facing stiff competition from full three-member teams representing countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

“I was hoping for gold, but a consistent performance with podium finishes in all formats is an accomplishment to be very proud of,” Ethan reflected on his performance.

Ethan’s decision to compete in the higher under-16 category, despite being eligible for the under-14 group, aligns with his long-term development strategy. His family noted that this choice stemmed from his medal-winning performance at the sub-junior National Chess Championship 2024, where he previously secured a gold medal at the Commonwealth Chess Championships.

This year’s championships saw participation from 391 players across 13 countries, including 37 titled players, making Ethan’s achievements even more commendable.

As Ethan and his father, Edwin, make their way back to India, they face unexpected travel disruptions due to a last-minute cancellation of their connecting flight, following the closure of Pakistan’s airspace due to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

The Goa Chess Association has expressed its pride in Ethan’s accomplishments. President Mahesh Candolkar, along with secretary Ashesh Keni and treasurer Vishwas Pilarnkar, extended their congratulations. “We are grateful to Ethan’s coaches, sponsors, The King’s School, and all our well-wishers for their unwavering support,” said Ethan’s mother, Linda Fernandes. “We also thank AICF, GCA, SAI, and SAG for their constant encouragement and assistance.”

Ethan Vaz’s journey continues to inspire young chess enthusiasts across India, proving that with dedication and hard work, the sky is the limit.