Ethan wins five medals at Western Asia Youth Chess

Panaji: Ethan Vaz was in fine form at the Western Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as he picked up five medals.
With this feat, Ethan’s all-time medal tally for India has now climbed to 21.
Organized by the Tajikistan Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, the championships comprised three formats, Rapid, Standard (Classical), and Blitz.
Competing in the under-16 (sub junior) Open category, Ethan secured individual medals in all three formats: silver in Standard, silver in Rapid and bronze in Blitz. He also led from the front to bag team bronze medals for India in Standard and Rapid formats. Notably, India had only two players in this category, competing against full three-member teams from countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, making the team medals a particularly commendable achievement.
“I was hoping for gold, but a consistent performance with podium finishes in all formats is an accomplishment to be very proud of,” said Ethan.
At just 13 years old, Ethan was eligible for the under-14 category but opted to challenge himself by playing in the higher under-16 category, consistent with his long-term development strategy.
“His selection to represent India in the higher age group followed from his medal-winning performance at the sub-junior (under-15) National Chess Championship 2024,” the family said in a statement on Tuesday. “Ethan Ethan had won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Chess Championships, 2024, while similarly challenging himself in the under-16 category.”
This year’s edition of the Western Asia Youth Chess Championships saw participation from 391 players across 13 countries, including 37 titled players.
Ethan and his father, Edwin, are currently on their way back to India, with their travel plans disrupted due to a last-minute cancellation of their connecting flight following the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, a consequence of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Goa Chess Association president Mahesh Candolkar, secretary Ashesh Keni, treasurer Vishwas Pilarnkar, and other officials congratulated Ethan on his performance.
“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.”