IM Ethan Vaz of Goa played exemplary chess, clinching the Silver Medal for the State of Goa at the 35th National Under-17 Open Chess Championship 2025-26, which was held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat from March 30 to April 7, 2026.
Scoring 9 points from 11 rounds, with 7 wins and 4 draws, 14-year-old Ethan remained undefeated throughout the tournament. Owing to the podium finish, Ethan is selected to represent India at World Youth, and Asian Youth Chess Championship, in 2026, in the Under-18 category.
It may be recalled that earlier in December, Ethan won Gold at National Junior (Under-19) Open Chess Championship and got selected to represent India at World Junior, and Asian Junior Chess Championship, in 2026.
Ethan, the youngest IM in India, now has the rare distinction of being selected to represent India in both Youth (Under-18) as well as Junior (Under-20) categories, in 2026, for World, Commonwealth and Asian Chess Championships.