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Sports
Goa’s Ethan Vaz Earns India’s 96th Chess Grandmaster Title
✍️ News On AIR
🗓 11 Jul 2026, 08:32 AM
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Ethan Vaz, a 19‑year‑old chess prodigy from Goa, was awarded the grandmaster title by FIDE, marking him as the 96th Indian to reach the elite rank.
Goa’s Ethan Vaz has officially become India’s 96th chess grandmaster after receiving the title from the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The 19‑year‑old, who hails from the coastal state, achieved the required norms in recent international tournaments.
Vaz first emerged on the national scene as a junior champion, and his rapid rise has been noted by the Indian chess community. He secured his final grandmaster norm in a recent event, finishing with a score that met FIDE’s stringent criteria.
India’s grandmaster count now stands at 96, a milestone that reflects the country’s growing prominence in the global chess arena. The number of Indian grandmasters has more than doubled in the last decade, with players like Viswanathan Anand and Praggnanandhaa leading the way.
FIDE officials congratulated Vaz on the achievement, and the Goan chess federation praised his dedication and hard work. Vaz expressed gratitude to his coaches and supporters, promising to continue representing India on the world stage.
Vaz first emerged on the national scene as a junior champion, and his rapid rise has been noted by the Indian chess community. He secured his final grandmaster norm in a recent event, finishing with a score that met FIDE’s stringent criteria.
India’s grandmaster count now stands at 96, a milestone that reflects the country’s growing prominence in the global chess arena. The number of Indian grandmasters has more than doubled in the last decade, with players like Viswanathan Anand and Praggnanandhaa leading the way.
FIDE officials congratulated Vaz on the achievement, and the Goan chess federation praised his dedication and hard work. Vaz expressed gratitude to his coaches and supporters, promising to continue representing India on the world stage.