Ethan Vaz: India’s 96th Grandmaster and a Journey of Resilience and Dedication
India Celebrates Its 96th Grandmaster: Ethan Vaz’s Remarkable Journey
NEW DELHI: In a moment that resonates with both triumph and nostalgia, Ethan Vaz has officially become India’s 96th Grandmaster (GM) at just 14 years old. His achievement, secured during the “Chess Summer in Sarajevo – GM Mix” tournament, marks a significant milestone not only for Ethan but also for the Indian chess community.
Ethan’s journey to this prestigious title is steeped in history, beginning with a life-altering event. On March 11, 2011, a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, leading to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. At that time, Ethan’s mother, Linda Fernandes, was pregnant with him in Tokyo. Concerned for their health, his father, Edwin Vaz, made the difficult decision to relocate the family to Goa, India. “Because she was pregnant, we felt there was a health risk,” Edwin recalled during an exclusive interview from Sarajevo. “I returned to Japan to reassess the situation before finally deciding to come back.”
Ethan was born later that year, on September 3, 2011, and little did his parents know that their son would one day join the ranks of India’s chess elite.
A Long-Awaited Realization
Just a day after achieving his Grandmaster title, Edwin reflected on the whirlwind of emotions surrounding Ethan’s accomplishment. “It has actually not sunk in,” he admitted, overwhelmed by congratulatory messages. “We still haven’t had time to really feel what has happened.”
The path to becoming a Grandmaster is notoriously challenging, especially after crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark. “People try for decades sometimes and still cannot make it,” Edwin explained. Yet, Ethan approached the milestone with a calm demeanor, typical of a seasoned chess player. When asked about his achievement, he simply stated, “It has been my goal since I started playing chess, and I am glad to have achieved the Grandmaster title.” He added, “I will continue to work on my game and try to achieve my dream of becoming the World Champion.”
From Cartoons to Chessboards
Ethan’s chess journey began at the tender age of six and a half when his parents sought to divert him and his elder brother, Edrick, from excessive screen time. “We thought maybe it’s better to give them some intellectual activity,” Edwin recalled. They enrolled the boys in a local chess academy, where Ethan quickly showcased his potential.
Just three months into training, he participated in an under-7 tournament, finishing fifth and narrowly missing a spot in the national championship. Encouraged by his coach, the family invested in Ethan’s burgeoning talent, leading to a series of impressive performances that would eventually culminate in his Grandmaster title.
The Cost of a Dream
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. As Ethan’s chess career accelerated, his parents had to balance their professional ambitions with the demands of global travel for tournaments. “Chess is mostly like all expense and no income,” Edwin lamented, highlighting the financial strain that often accompanies a professional chess career. Fortunately, recent support from Indian donors and sponsors has eased some of that burden.
A Bright Future Ahead
Edwin credits the Goa Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) for providing the foundational support that has allowed Ethan to flourish. “The chess infrastructure is there because AICF is there,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of grassroots support in nurturing young talent.
As Ethan continues to hone his skills, the Vaz family remains committed to supporting his dreams. “I think we will still follow this career path because that is where his passion lies,” Edwin affirmed.
With his Grandmaster title now secured, Ethan Vaz stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring chess players across India, proving that with determination and support, dreams can indeed become reality.