Goa’s chess sensation Ethan Vaz returned home late Friday night after successfully completing his month-long tour of Bosnia and Serbia, where the 14-year-old fulfilled all the requirements for the coveted Grandmaster title to become India’s current youngest Grandmaster and the world’s current second-youngest Grandmaster, and concluded the tour with a podium finish at the Serbia Open 2026 Masters.
Ethan, who was accompanied by his father Edwin Vaz, received a warm and memorable welcome at Goa’s Dabolim Airport, where well-wishers poured in to celebrate one of the greatest achievements in Goan sporting history.
Leading the reception was a large contingent from The King’s School, including Director Ligia Pereira, Chairman Melvin Pereira, Headmaster Wilson Varghese, teachers and staff, who welcomed Ethan with the school’s flag, bouquets, garlands, a giant trophy presented on behalf of the school, and a huge banner showcasing Ethan’s journey from his nursery days.
Office bearers of the Goa Chess Association, led by President Mahesh Candolkar, Secretary Ashesh Keni, Vice Presidents Arvind Mhamal, Satyavan Harmalkar, Sagar Sakordekar and Damodar Zambaulikar, representatives of various Taluka Chess Associations, officials from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) Goa and the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), former IAS officer Adv. Elvis Gomes, social worker Engg. Roque Mascarenhas, Ethan’s first coach, friends and well-wishers were present alongside Ethan’s mother Linda Fernandes to receive Ethan on the momentous occasion.
The airport reverberated with cheers as Ethan and his father emerged from the arrival gate. Friends, supporters and well-wishers welcomed them with placards, flags, bouquets, garlands, mementoes and congratulatory banners, applauding Ethan’s extraordinary journey from a young Goan chess prodigy to one of the world’s youngest Grandmasters.
Congratulating Ethan, Goa Chess Association President Mahesh Candolkar assured him of the Association’s continued support and expressed hope that additional support would be extended by the Government of Goa. Secretary Ashesh Keni praised Ethan’s completion of all Grandmaster requirements as well as his podium finish at the Serbia Open Masters, describing it as an exceptional achievement. Vice President Arvind Mhamal, father of Goa’s first Grandmaster Anurag Mhamal, described the occasion as a proud moment for Goa, emphasising the immense hard work of both the player and the parents in reaching the pinnacle of chess.
The management of The King’s School praised Ethan’s discipline, commitment and ability to balance academics with elite-level chess while reaffirming their continued support for his long-term goal of becoming a Super Grandmaster and eventually World Champion.
Ethan’s formative coach Prakash reflected on Ethan’s childhood ambition of becoming the world’s youngest Grandmaster and remarked that, had the COVID-19 pandemic not interrupted two crucial years of competitive chess, Ethan may well have achieved that distinction.
Former IAS officer Adv. Elvis Gomes, who has followed Ethan’s journey over the years, congratulated him on yet another historic milestone and wished him continued success in his pursuit of the World Championship.
Expressing gratitude, Ethan’s father Edwin Vaz thanked Ethan’s coaches GM Swayams Mishra, GM Srinath Narayanan and Prakash Vikram Singh, sponsors including The King’s School, Geno Pharmaceuticals, HelpChess Foundation, ChessBase India, Group e4 and Chola Chess, as well as donors and well-wishers who have supported Ethan throughout his journey.
“Ethan’s success is not just our family’s success. It belongs to every individual who believed in him, supported him and became part of this journey. We are deeply grateful to everyone.” said Edwin.
The celebrations continued after the family reached their residence in Raia, where neighbours organised a surprise welcome complete with flowers, garlands, music and celebratory fireworks to receive and honour their local hero, who has put their quaint village ward of Colleamdongor firmly on the world map.
Describing the emotional homecoming, Edwin said, “It is a nostalgic moment for our entire family. We haven’t burst firecrackers ourselves since Ethan’s grandmother passed away eight years ago, just a day before Ethan was set to travel for his very first National Championship. His grandparents are not here to witness this historic moment, but we believe they are smiling upon us from heaven.“
Overwhelmed by the affection shown to him throughout the evening, Ethan thanked everyone who had come to welcome him. “I am feeling great that I have become a Grandmaster. It has been my childhood dream ever since I started playing chess, and I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me and come here to celebrate this achievement. Thank you!” said Ethan with a smile.